The Ins and Outs of the Enhanced ACT

This blog post was provided by Test Innovators, our test prep partner. You can learn more about Test Innovators on our partners page.

The ACT is a readiness test, primarily used by colleges for admissions. But ACT test scores serve multiple purposes in addition to college entry, such as course placement and scholarships. Many high schools, districts, and states use the test to assess and monitor school performance. Several states even require the ACT for high school graduation!

This year, ACT is rolling out some big changes. The new, enhanced ACT has fewer questions, takes less time, and allows for more time per question. Plus, the Science Test is now optional, along with the Writing Test.  

In this guide, we’ll walk you through what you need to know about the enhanced ACT.

Let’s dive into the details:

• How is the ACT changing?
• When is the ACT changing?
• What’s on the enhanced ACT and what’s the structure of the test?
• How is the enhanced ACT scored?
  • How does superscoring work?
• What’s a good ACT score?
• What’s on the enhanced ACT English Test?
• What’s on the enhanced ACT Math Test?
• What’s on the enhanced ACT Reading Test?
• What’s on the enhanced ACT Science Test?
• What’s on the enhanced ACT Writing Test?
• What’s the difference between the enhanced ACT and the digital SAT?
• Should I take both the ACT and the SAT?
• When can I take the ACT?
• How should I prepare for the enhanced ACT?
  • Can I use legacy ACT materials to prepare for the enhanced ACT?

How is the ACT changing?

The ACT is changing in a few ways. The biggest change is that the new version is shorter. It includes just three core sections: English, Math, and Reading. It’s 2 hours and 5 minutes long, with a total of 131 questions. In contrast, the legacy ACT has four sections (English, Math, Reading, and Science) and is 2 hours and 55 minutes long, with 215 questions. 

That means the enhanced ACT is 50 minutes shorter and has 84 fewer questions. And the best part? You actually get more time per question on the new test!

Another big change is that the Science Test is no longer required, but you’ll still have the option to take it. When you register, you can choose one of four versions:

• ACT (3 core sections)
• ACT with Science
• ACT with Writing
• ACT with Science and Writing

A few other changes: 

• All questions on the enhanced ACT have four answer choices. On the legacy ACT, Math questions had five
• Some of the English and Reading passages are shorter. However, all passages still have multiple questions (unlike the SAT, which has one mini-passage per question)
• One of the passages on the English Test will be an argumentative essay
• The Science Test now has a passage about an engineering and design topic
  
  

What’s staying the same? 

Fundamentally, the ACT is still testing the same underlying skills and concepts (though the emphasis in some areas has shifted slightly). 

• All questions are still multiple choice (except the Writing Test)
• You can still take the test on paper or on the computer 
• The Writing Test is still optional
• You’ll still get a score between 1 and 36. However, the Composite score no longer includes Science (more on that in the scoring section)

When is the ACT changing?

The ACT is rolling out the enhanced version gradually throughout the year. So, when will you see the new test? It depends on how and when you’re taking the test.

• April 2025: If you’re in the USA and taking the test on the computer on a national test date, you’ll take the enhanced ACT starting on April 5, 2025
• September 2025: If you’re taking the test on paper on a national test date, or if you’re an international student, you’ll take the enhanced ACT starting on September 6, 2025
• April 2026: If you’re taking the ACT in school during the school day, you won’t see the enhanced ACT until next spring
  
  

What’s on the enhanced ACT and what’s the structure of the test?

The enhanced ACT has three core sections: English, Math, and Reading. There are also two optional sections: Science and Writing.

The structure of the test is as follows:

• English Test: 35 minutes | 50 questions
• Math Test: 50 minutes | 45 questions
• Break (15 min)
• Reading Test: 40 minutes | 36 questions
• Short Break (if you’re taking Science and/or Writing)
• Optional: Science Test or Writing Test: 40 minutes | 40 questions (Science) or 1 prompt (Writing)
• Short Break (if you’re taking Science and Writing)
• Optional: Writing Test (if taking both Science and Writing): 40 minutes | 1 prompt

Total test time:

• Core test only (English, Math, Reading): 2 hours 5 minutes
• Core + one optional section (Science or Writing): 2 hours 45 minutes
• Core + both optional sections (Science and Writing): 3 hours 25 minutes

How is the ACT scored?

The ACT is scored on a scale from 1 to 36. First, your raw score for each section is calculated by adding up the number of questions you answered correctly. There’s no penalty for incorrect answers, so there’s no harm in guessing if you’re unsure about a question. 

Your raw score for each section will then be converted to a scaled score from 1 to 36, which helps ensure consistency and fairness across different test dates. 

On your score report, you’ll see a Composite score along with each of your section scores. The Composite score is the average of your three core section scores (English, Math, and Reading) rounded to the nearest whole number. 

Because the Science Test is optional, it’s not included in the Composite score for the enhanced ACT. If you choose to take it, you’ll receive a separate Science score and a STEM score, which is the average of your Math and Science scores.

If you take the optional Writing Test, your essay will be evaluated by two trained readers. Each reader will give your essay a score from 1 to 6 based on a standard rubric. The two readers’ scores will be added together to give you a score between 2 and 12. Visit ACT’s website to learn more about how the ACT Writing Test is scored.

How does superscoring work on the enhanced ACT? What if I take both the legacy and enhanced ACT?

If you take the ACT more than once, you’ll receive a Superscore, which is the average of your best section scores across all of your test dates. On the enhanced ACT, your Superscore Composite is the average of your best English, Math, and Reading scores, rounded to the nearest whole number.

If you’ve taken both the legacy ACT and the enhanced ACT, your Superscore Composite will still be calculated using your highest section scores from any version of the test. However, Science is not included, since it’s not part of the enhanced ACT Composite score. Your highest Science score (from either the legacy or the enhanced test) will still appear on your score report.

What’s a good ACT score?

It depends! A “good score” is one that helps support your application to the schools and programs that interest you. Many colleges publish test score data for their admitted students, and Scoir’s Scattergrams show you past test score and GPA data from applicants from your high school.

Look at the data from the schools you want to apply to and set a target score range for yourself. As you look at this data and set your goal, remember that a perfect score does not guarantee acceptance, nor does a below-average score guarantee rejection. Schools use your scores in the context of the rest of your application. Just like your transcript, letters of recommendation, and personal statement, your ACT scores are a way to learn more about you.

Once you set your target score, it’s time to get to work! Learn how to prepare for the ACT. 

What’s on the enhanced ACT English Test?

The ACT English Test is the first section you’ll see on the ACT. You’ll find passages with underlined (or highlighted) portions and corresponding multiple-choice questions. Some questions will refer to these underlined portions, while others will refer to a section of the passage or the passage as a whole. 

The questions will test you on the following writing and composition skills:

• Conventions of Standard English | 38–43%
  • Sentence structure
  • Punctuation
  • Usage
• Production of Writing | 38–43%
  • Topic development
  • Organization, unity, and cohesion 
• Knowledge of Language | 18–23%
  • Effective, precise, and concise language
  • Consistency in style and tone

You’ll play the role of editor and determine the choice that best improves the passage, or in some cases, decide when no change is needed at all. 

You’ll have 35 minutes to answer 50 questions, which gives you 42 seconds per question.

Taking the legacy ACT? Visit ACT’s website for more details on the legacy English Test.

What’s on the enhanced ACT Math Test?

After a break, you’ll move on to the Reading Test, which consists of prose passages with corresponding multiple-choice questions. You’ll have 40 minutes to read the passages and answer 36 questions. 

Here is the content breakdown for the ACT Reading Test:

• Key Ideas and Details | 44–52%
  • Determine central ideas and themes
  • Summarize information and ideas
  • Draw logical inferences and conclusions
• Craft and Structure | 28–33%
  • Determine word and phrase meanings
  • Analyze word choice
  • Analyze text structure
  • Understand the author’s purpose and perspective
  • Analyze characters’ points of view
  • Interpret authorial decisions rhetorically
  • Differentiate between various perspectives and sources of information 
• Integration of Knowledge and Ideas | 19–26%
  • Understand authors’ claims
  • Differentiate between facts and opinions
  • Analyze how arguments are constructed
  • Make connections between different texts
  • Evaluate reasoning and evidence from various sources

The passages on the Reading Test cover a wide range of topics and reflect the difficulty level of the texts you’ll encounter in your first year of college. Note that some passages may be accompanied by informational tables and graphs.  Other passages feature two texts that you’ll be asked to compare.

Taking the legacy ACT? Visit ACT’s website for more details about the legacy Reading Test.

What’s on the ACT Reading Test?

After a 15-minute break, you’ll move on to the Reading Test, which consists of prose passages with corresponding multiple-choice questions. You’ll have 35 minutes to read the passages and answer 40 questions. 

Here is the content breakdown for the ACT Reading Test:

• Key Ideas and Details | 52–60%
  • Determine central ideas and themes
  • Summarize information and ideas
  • Draw logical inferences and conclusions
• Craft and Structure | 25–30%
  • Determine word and phrase meanings
  • Analyze word choice
  • Analyze text structure
  • Understand the author’s purpose and perspective
  • Analyze characters’ points of view
  • Interpret authorial decisions rhetorically
  • Differentiate between various perspectives and sources of information 
• Integration of Knowledge and Ideas |13–23%
  • Understand authors’ claims
  • Differentiate between facts and opinions
  • Analyze how arguments are constructed
  • Make connections between different texts
  • Evaluate reasoning and evidence from various sources

The passages on the Reading Test cover a wide range of topics and reflect the difficulty level of the texts you’ll encounter in your first year of college. Note that some passages may be accompanied by informational tables and graphs.  Other passages feature 2 texts that you’ll be asked to compare.

Visit ACT’s website for more details about the Reading Test.

What’s on the enhanced ACT Science Test?

The Science Test is optional on the enhanced ACT. If you’d like to take the Science Test, be sure to register for the ACT with Science. 

You’ll see passages about topics in biology, chemistry, Earth/space sciences, and physics with corresponding multiple-choice questions. At least one of the passages will also focus on engineering and design thinking. Some of the passages will include tables and graphs.

There are three types of passages:

• Data Representation passages include data tables and graphs alongside text
• Research Summaries provide descriptions and results of one or more experiments or studies
• Conflicting Viewpoints passages present two or more explanations or hypotheses for the same scientific phenomenon

You’ll see questions relating to the following:

• Interpretation of Data | 36–47%
  • Analyze scientific data presented in tables, graphs, and figures

• Scientific Investigation | 17–31%
  • Understand experimental design, procedures, and tools

• Evaluation of Models, Inferences, and Experimental Results | 22–36%
  • Evaluate scientific information and form conclusions

The ACT Science Test is in many ways a reading comprehension test with a data literacy component. For the most part, the passages and accompanying tables and graphs will give you all the information needed to answer the questions, so advanced knowledge is not required. That said, a few of the questions do require some basic background knowledge and understanding of science and the scientific method. 

Taking the legacy ACT? Visit ACT’s website for more details about the legacy Science Test.

What’s on the ACT Writing Test?

The ACT Writing Test is optional for students who are taking the ACT on a standard Saturday date. If you’d like to take the Writing Test, be sure to register for the ACT With Writing.

If you are taking the ACT on a school day, please check with your counselor to see if it includes the Writing Test.

The Writing Test is 40 minutes and will be the final section of the test. You’ll see a prompt presenting a complex issue with three different perspectives on that issue. You’ll be asked to present your own stance and analyze the relationship between your own perspective and at least one of the three stances provided in the prompt. 

If you are taking the test on paper, you’ll need to handwrite your response in pencil (unless you have an accommodation).  

Most colleges do not require the ACT Writing Test. However, there are a small number that do.  Be sure to check the requirements of your application schools when registering for the ACT.

Visit ACT’s website for more information about taking the ACT Writing Test.

What’s the difference between the enhanced ACT and the digital SAT?

The ACT and SAT are very similar tests. For the most part, they evaluate the same knowledge and skills, and colleges accept either one. That said, there are significant differences in the format and the overall testing experience, so you’ll probably find that you prefer one over the other. 

The best way to figure out which test is right for you is to take a practice test for each and see which test goes better. Did you prefer the experience of one over the other? Here are some factors to consider:

• Test Modality: The enhanced ACT is offered on paper (starting in September 2025) as well as on the computer. The SAT is now only offered on the computer. If you prefer a paper test, the ACT might be the right choice for you

• Adaptive Testing: The SAT is a computer adaptive test. Each section is divided into two modules, and how well you do on Module 1 determines whether you get an easier or harder Module 2. The enhanced ACT is a linear test, meaning all of the questions are set at the beginning of the test and do not change based on your performance. If computer adaptive testing is unfamiliar or seems stressful, you might prefer the ACT

• Timing and Pacing: The digital SAT and enhanced ACT are roughly the same length. However, the SAT has fewer questions and gives you more time to answer each question. If pacing is a concern, you might prefer the SAT
• Passage Style: The ACT has long passages on the English and Reading Tests with multiple questions per passage. The passages on the digital SAT Reading and Writing section are short with one question per passage. You might prefer the SAT’s shorter passages. Or you might like having multiple questions tied to one longer text. If you’re a strong reader, the ACT might play to your strengths
• Math Question Format: All of the questions on the ACT Math Test are multiple-choice. 75% of the questions on the SAT Math section are multiple-choice and 25% are student-produced response questions

When it’s time to decide which test you’d like to take, there’s no right or wrong answer. They’re both great options, so figure out which you prefer and focus on that one.

Should I take both the ACT and the SAT?

Some students take both the ACT and the SAT. Taking both isn’t necessary. You're usually better off focusing on maximizing your score on one of the tests. However, there are a few circumstances where it might make sense to take both:

1. If it will reduce test anxiety.  Many students find the prospect of taking an additional test anxiety-provoking. However, you might find that having a second option reduces testing anxiety for you. We’d only recommend this approach if you’re starting early. If you’re testing in the fall of your senior year, you’re better off focusing on one test
2. If you prefer one test, but your school or state requires the other to graduate. In this case, you’ll have to take the required test for graduation, but you can still elect to take your preferred test for college applications
3. If you’ve taken one test already, but you find a specific program or scholarship that requires the other. Don’t let that requirement hold you back! If you’ve already taken one of the tests, you’ve already done a lot of work that will prepare you for the other

If you do decide to take both tests, preparing for one will likely help the other. However, as the tests ultimately have distinct formats and some differences in content, it’s best to focus on one test at a time. 

If you’re curious which test may be best for you, check out: ACT or SAT? Everything You Need to Know to Choose the Best Test for You.

When can I take the ACT?

The ACT is administered on seven Saturdays every year. These standard test dates occur during the following months:

• February
• April
• June
• July
• September
• October
• December

You can view and register for upcoming test dates on ACT’s website.

Some schools and districts also offer the test during the school day. Please check with your counselor to see if your school offers school-day testing.

How should I prepare for the ACT?

The best way to set yourself up for success is by taking challenging classes in school that require reading, writing, and critical thinking. The ACT rewards strong readers. After all, two of the three core sections are passage-based. Being a strong reader is a big advantage, and the best way to become a strong reader is to read a lot. Make a habit of reading outside of school by setting a daily goal, such as reading a chapter or a few articles each day. Pick things that interest and challenge you. 

For the Math Test, make sure you’re on track to complete Geometry and Algebra II (or their equivalents) before your senior year. For the optional Science Test, you’ll want to take at least one science class every year. 

With a solid foundation, test prep is much easier. However, taking the ACT is a skill in and of itself. Fortunately, it’s something that you can learn and improve with the right kind of practice. So, how do you practice? Here’s our tried and true method of ACT prep:

1. Take a full-length practice test. Practice tests are the best way to get to know the ACT and figure out what you need to do to reach your goals
2. Review your results. Your practice test results will show you what you already know and what you need to work on. Take note of the areas that need improvement
3. Do targeted practice. Focus on your weak areas. This may involve reviewing topics like punctuation and geometry, practicing deciphering informational tables and graphs, or drilling through reading passages. Whatever you need to work on, spend some time focusing on your weak areas to strengthen your skills
4. Repeat! Take another practice test, review your results, and do more targeted practice. Keep repeating steps 1–3 until you reach your target scores and feel ready for test day! 

For more details on how to prepare for the ACT, please see our post: The Most Effective Way to Prepare for the ACT, SAT, and PSAT  

Can I use legacy ACT materials to prepare for the enhanced ACT?

Legacy ACT materials are still relevant and useful for building content knowledge and practicing specific skills. However, the format and timing have changed significantly on the enhanced ACT.

We recommend using legacy practice tests for targeted practice or drills, not as full-length practice tests. Taking single sections and working untimed or adjusting the timing to match the enhanced format is a good way to use legacy practice tests. For full-length, timed practice, it’s best to use enhanced ACT practice tests so that you can accurately simulate the real experience.

We’ll update this post as new details become available. In the meantime, the rest of this Q&A is still relevant for students taking the test this fall and winter.

For more details on how to prepare for the ACT, please see our post: The Most Effective Way to Prepare for the ACT, SAT, and PSAT 

And for personalized ACT prep, check out ACT practice from Test Innovators. Test Innovators has 4 full-length practice tests, over 600 additional questions for targeted practice, and an online platform that guides you throughout the entire process.

Looking for ACT practice? 

Check out ACT practice from Test Innovators. Test Innovators has 9 full-length practice tests (5 for the enhanced ACT and 4 for the legacy ACT), over 900 additional questions for targeted practice, and an online platform that guides you throughout the entire process.

This article was originally published on June 27, 2024. It was updated on June 13, 2025 for accuracy and comprehensiveness.