Big Changes have been made to the ACT test plan in 2025 — Here's What You Need to Know
The ACT has rolled out a major makeover that’s designed to make the test shorter, a little less intense, and more flexible overall.
Let’s break down what’s changing (and what’s staying the same).
What’s New?
Shorter Test Time
The biggest change? The test is getting nearly a whole hour shorter. Instead of taking over 3 hours with all four sections, the new ACT will take only about 2 hours and 15 minutes for the three core subjects — and a bit longer if you add the optional sections like Science or the Essay.
Fewer Questions
You’ll have fewer questions to answer — 84 fewer, to be exact. The total drops from 215 to 131 (not counting optional sections). That means less time staring at a bubble sheet and more time to breathe. (If you take the Science section, you'll have 40 additional questions!)
More Time Per Question
One of the biggest complaints about the old ACT was how fast you had to go. The new format gives you more time per question, especially in Reading and Math. For example, you’ll go from 36 seconds per question in English to 42, and in Reading from 53 seconds to about 67. That’s a noticeable difference.
Fewer Answer Choices in Math
Instead of five options on each math question, you’ll now only see four answer choices. This might help cut down on the overthinking and second-guessing.
Optional Science Section
Students now get to choose whether or not to take the Science section. That’s right — Science is now optional on the national test. Some schools or states might still require it, but for many students, this means one less section to worry about.
What’s Staying the Same?
Even with all these changes, a few important things are sticking around:
- The ACT score will still be out of 36.
- The test will continue to test the same skills and standards but in a slightly more rigorous way.
- Past scores won’t lose their value, so no worries if you tested before the update.
- The ACT will continue to be a reliable tool for predicting college success.
- You’ll still have the choice of taking the test online or on paper.
Quick Look: Old vs. New ACT (with Time Per Question)
| Section | Old ACT (Questions / Time / Time per Q) | New ACT (Questions / Time / Time per Q) |
|---|---|---|
| English | 75 / 45 min / 36 sec | 50 / 35 min / 42 sec |
| Math | 60 / 60 min / 60 sec | 45 / 50 min / ~67 sec |
| Reading | 40 / 35 min / 53 sec | 36 / 40 min / ~67 sec |
| Science (Optional) | 40 / 35 min / 53 sec | 40 / 40 min / 60 sec |
| Essay (Optional) | 1 / 40 min / n/a | 1 / 40 min / n/a |
Bottom Line
The new ACT is shorter, less rushed, and a bit more flexible — all of which should make the experience less stressful for students. You’ll have more time to think, fewer questions to answer, and even a choice about whether to include Science.
These changes certainly do not negate the need for preparation! Some of the test may actually feel slightly harder due to the way the questions are now being asked, and much of what will be tested was learned long ago for most students; therefore, a complete review of content tested with timed practice ensures students of all ability levels work faster and more accurately on test day. The Jumpstart Test Prep Complete ACT Review makes it easy to get ready and guarantees improvement!
