Takeaways from Game Plan For The Enhanced ACT
A goal without a plan is just a wish.
In case you haven’t been paying attention, you already know that the unfolding changes to the ACT take effect everywhere in September. But are you ready? Let two nationally recognized experts in education–that’s us ;)–help you understand both the ACT enhancements and how students should navigate them. This free Game Plan for the Enhanced ACT webinar was presented live as part of the Tests and the Rest Seminar Series.
Listen to the full episode HERE or watch it HERE before or after you review the key takeaways, topic breakdowns, and questions answered from this episode.
Key Takeaways
The ACT is changing: The Enhanced ACT, debuting nationally in September 2025, includes shorter sections, more time per question, and an optional science section.
Fewer questions, same score scale: Most sections have fewer items but maintain the 1–36 scale. The composite score will now average only English, Math, and Reading (EMR).
Field test items are embedded: Instead of a separate experimental section, some questions within each section won’t count toward scores.
Science is optional—but recommended: This section is not included in the ACT composite anymore, but may be required or recommended by some colleges.
ACT is becoming less “speeded”: Students now have more time per question, addressing a long-standing criticism of ACT pacing.
Legacy ACT still available until July 2025: Students may benefit from testing on the familiar format while it lasts.
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Topical Breakdown
Legacy vs. Enhanced ACT
Legacy: Paper-based, speeded, includes fifth unscored experimental section.
Enhanced: Digital or paper, shorter overall, optional Science, no separate experimental section.
Section-by-Section Changes
English
Now every question has a stem.
One argumentative passage added.
5 passages total, 1 unscored.
Slight rebalance in reporting categories.
Math
Answer choices reduced from 5 to 4.
"Integrating Essential Skills" (pre-HS math) questions cut from ~40% to 20%.
Easier questions removed = difficulty ramps faster.
Reading
One passage unscored.
Increase in integration of ideas (paired or comparative passages).
Cultural authenticity in literary passages.
Visual/quantitative info (VQI) passages added.
Science
Optional.
Returns to 7 passages.
Same 40 questions, now 40 minutes.
May include more "background knowledge" items (but not advanced science).
Adds an engineering design passage.
Scoring & Strategy
Composite score = EMR only.
Science scored separately; students also get a STEM score (math + science).
April/June/July 2025 testers affected by the composite change can contact ACT for correction.
Dates & Recommendations
Last legacy ACT: July 13, 2025.
Enhanced ACT goes universal: September 6, 2025.
Recommended test date for class of 2027: October 18, 2025 (includes “My ACT Answer Key”).
Q&A Highlights
Should students still test at all?
Yes. The “peak test-optional” era is over. Many selective schools now recommend or require scores again.
Should I take the Science section?
Probably. Unless you’re sure your colleges don’t want it, taking science keeps more options open.
What’s better — SAT or ACT?
The answer to that depends on the test taker:
ACT: Better for breadth, good readers, students not in Algebra 2 yet.
SAT: Better for logic, deep thinkers, algebra 2 experts, digital-native students.
What about prep materials?
The Official ACT Prep Guide (Red Book 2025–26) has 4 enhanced tests.
Only one official digital enhanced test online right now.
Many students now use curated third-party resources due to limited official materials.
For SAT, College Board’s Bluebook app has 7 full tests and a 2,000+ item bank.