Preparing for the Enhanced ACT

Written By Jeff Hiser

The ACT has been undergoing significant changes that will affect how students prepare, perform, and interpret their scores. This past April, students were able to experience the online format of the Enhanced ACT which proved to be a shorter format with an optional science section. Beginning in September 2025, students will be able to take the Enhanced ACT in either the digital (online) format or the traditional (paper) format. For student athletes balancing academics, training, and recruiting, understanding these updates is essential to developing a strong testing strategy. 

Overview of Key Changes

Revised ACT Composite Score
Only English, Math, and Reading will contribute to the ACT Composite score. The Science section, while still available, will not factor into the composite. Instead, Science will be included in a separate STEM score that combines Math and Science results.

New Weighting
This change increases the importance of English and Reading, which now make up two-thirds of the composite score. Math, previously one-fourth of the composite, will now represent one-third. With Science no longer contributing, the overall weight of STEM subjects is reduced from one-half to one-third.

Non-Retroactive Impact
These changes apply only to the Enhanced ACT. Past ACT scores will not be recalculated, and superscores already issued will remain unchanged. However, future superscores will reflect only English, Math, and Reading, even if one or more of those sections were taken on the original test format.

Section-by-Section Updates

English

  • Reduced from 75 to 50 questions

  • Time limit reduced from 45 to 35 minutes

  • More time per question, increasing from 36 to 42 seconds

  • Shorter passages, with one designated argumentative passage

  • Some formerly “stemless” grammar questions may now include prompts

  • Rebalanced question types to reflect changing emphasis

  • Includes 10 unscored field test questions

Math

  • Reduced from 60 to 45 questions

  • Time limit reduced from 60 to 50 minutes

  • More time per question, increasing from 60 to 67 seconds

  • Answer choices reduced from 5 to 4 per question

  • Fewer word problems and high-level multi-step questions

  • Rebalanced question categories

  • Includes 4 unscored field test items

Reading

  • Reduced from 40 to 36 questions

  • Time limit increased from 35 to 40 minutes

  • More time per question, increasing from 53 to 67 seconds

  • Passages likely reduced in word count

  • Greater focus on questions analyzing claims and comparing texts

  • Integration of Knowledge and Ideas category expected to increase in weight

  • Includes 9 unscored field test questions

Science (Optional)

  • Now an optional section similar to Writing

  • Time increased from 35 to 40 minutes

  • More time per question, increasing from 53 to 60 seconds

  • May include new content aligned with engineering and design

  • Some questions may now require prior scientific knowledge

  • Reporting categories rebalanced

Our Guidance for Student Athletes

For student athletes, preparation is key. With shifts in section weightings and test structure, smart and targeted test prep will be more important than ever.

To help students prepare effectively, we proudly partner with Revolution Prep, a trusted leader in personalized academic and test preparation. Their expert tutors understand the demands student athletes face and are equipped to help students maximize performance under evolving test conditions. Revolution Prep was also recently named one of ACT’s preferred test prep partners this past March. With their partnership and ours, POLARIS athletes have a distinct advantage when it comes to ACT test preparation.

Ready to Plan Your Test Strategy?

Contact POLARIS Student Athlete Consulting to develop a custom testing timeline or to get connected with a dedicated Revolution Prep tutor. We are here to support your student athlete’s success, on and off the field.

As students consider whether to include the now-optional Science section on the Enhanced ACT, it’s important to assess whether it aligns with their academic strengths and college goals. With more time per question, students should use that opportunity to read passages thoroughly and think critically before responding. Understanding which reporting categories will carry more weight can also help students tailor their study plan for maximum impact.

Let us help you make informed decisions and take confident steps forward in your college admissions journey!

Jeff Hiser
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