ACT

ACT Key Features

Starting in 2025, the ACT introduced a new format available in both digital and paper options. The core test is now ~2 hours (reduced from 3 hours), and you can now choose whether to take the Science section. It is no longer required for the Composite Score.
There are fewer questions overall, giving students more breathing room in every section, and unlike the SAT (which is fully digital), you can still choose between a Digital or Paper exam at most national test centers.
The Digital ACT is linear (fixed questions), not adaptive like the SAT.
English Math Reading Science (Optional)
English is now 35 minutes and there are 50 questions (Reduced from 75), with a focus on grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and rhetorical skills. Math is now 50 minutes with 45 questions reduced from 60. The questions are in a multiple-choice format with 4 answer choices (previously 5), and calculator is allowed for the entire section. Reading is now 40 minutes, and there are 36 questions reduced from 40. The test focuses on reading comprehension across 4 passages (Literature, Social Science, Humanities, Natural Science). Science is now 40 minutes long with 40 questions that focus on interpretation of data, graphs, and experimental summaries. While scores are reported separately, they are not included in the main Composite Score.
ACT Test Calendar: ACT National Test Dates Schedule 2025–2026 | ACT