An ACT test prep book on display in 2014 in Springfield, Ill.
Seth Perlman/AP
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Seth Perlman/AP
The science section will now be optional on the ACT and the test will be shortened, organizedwas announced earlier this week.
The writing section became optional in 2005. Students can now choose between several versions of the test: the ACT core test (which includes reading, math, and English), the ACT plus writing, the ACT plus science, or the ACT plus science and writing.
“With this flexibility, students can focus on their strengths and showcase their abilities in the best possible way,” the organization said.
The average of the core subjects will create a composite score. All subjects will still be graded on a scale of 1 to 36. Students will continue to have the option of taking the test online or by paper and pencil.
Additionally, the length of the core exam will be shortened from three hours to two hours by shortening the reading passage and cutting out a total of 44 questions.
“This change is designed to make the test more manageable for students, helping them perform at their best without the fatigue that often occurs on long exams,” ACT said.
The changes would begin with online testing in spring 2025 and “during the school day” testing in spring 2026.
