Enhanced ACT 2025: Complete Guide to Digital Format Changes and Test Preparation Strategies

By Anish Nair | May 5, 2025

The Digital Revolution: Enhanced ACT Has Arrived

The Enhanced ACT exam has officially launched as of April 2025 in the US, bringing significant changes to this standardized testing cornerstone. These modifications to the digital ACT format represent the most substantial overhaul of the exam in recent years, affecting how students prepare and how colleges evaluate applicants. International students, including those in India, will experience these changes starting September 2025.

Key Enhanced ACT Changes You Need to Know

Shortened Test Duration

The new digital ACT format has been streamlined to 171 questions, down from the previous 215, resulting in a more manageable testing time of approximately 2 hours and 5 minutes. This reduction aims to decrease test fatigue while maintaining comprehensive assessment capabilities.

Optional Science Section Introduces Flexibility

In a groundbreaking shift, the Science section is now optional for test-takers. When included, the Science score is reported separately and combined with the Math score to create a new STEM score—particularly valuable for students pursuing science, technology, engineering, or mathematics fields.

Revised Composite Scoring System

The ACT Composite score calculation has been modified to include only the English, Math, and Reading sections. This significant change affects how colleges might interpret and utilize ACT scores in their admissions decisions.

Digital Testing Format and Enhanced Tools

The Enhanced ACT exam is now available digitally at select testing centers, featuring helpful tools like:

• On-screen calculators

• Text highlighting capabilities

• Digital annotation options

• Section navigation tools

First Observations: Digital ACT April 2025 Implementation

Technical Challenges Reported

The initial rollout of the digital ACT in April 2025 wasn't without obstacles:

• Some students experienced laptop malfunctions

• Proctoring application freezes occurred in certain locations

• Section transitions faced occasional delays

Despite these issues, most test-takers successfully completed the exam, suggesting the digital platform is fundamentally stable.

Content Modifications and Difficulty Assessment

While English, Reading, and Science sections maintained familiar formats, the Math section presented notable differences:

• Higher difficulty questions appeared earlier in the section

• Advanced topics including linear regression, 3D geometry, and ellipses featured more prominently

• The reduction in question count amplified the impact of challenging problems

Another consideration: 29 field test questions were included but won't affect scoring, raising questions about score calculation methodologies.

Section-by-Section Analysis of the Enhanced ACT

English Section Updates

Duration: 35 minutes | Question Count: 50

• Shorter passages improve readability

• Questions focus more clearly on essential grammar concepts

• Streamlined format allows better concentration on key usage principles

Math Section Transformation

Duration: 50 minutes | Question Count: 45

• Reduced from five to four answer choices per question

• Increased emphasis on advanced mathematical concepts

• Anticipated future integration of Desmos graphing calculator functionality

Reading Section Improvements

Duration: 40 minutes | Question Count: 36

• Additional time per question enables deeper text analysis

• Digital annotation tools received mixed reviews from test-takers

• Nine field test questions included (not counted toward score)

• Passage order may be randomized to prevent identification of non-scored items

Optional Science Section

Duration: 40 minutes | Question Count: 40

• Maintains focus on data interpretation and scientific reasoning

• New engineering and design-focused content added

• Contributes to separate STEM score when combined with Math

How These Changes Affect Your Test Preparation Strategy

Targeted Preparation Approach

With the revised Enhanced ACT format, students should:

• Focus preparation efforts on the core sections contributing to the Composite score

• Develop specific strategies for the digital testing environment

• Practice data analysis and scientific reasoning for those taking the Science section

• Allocate preparation time proportionally to the new section weights

College Admissions Considerations

The optional Science section creates new strategic considerations:

• Research your prospective college list to determine Science score requirements

• STEM-focused programs may place higher value on Science section scores

• Early indicators suggest following Yale University's lead in how scores are evaluated

• Consider that admissions officers may favor applicants who provide more comprehensive testing data

Frequently Asked Questions About the Enhanced ACT

Q: Will colleges require the optional Science section? A: It's too early to determine definitively, but STEM-focused programs may value this additional assessment data.

Q: How does the digital format affect scoring? A: While the format has changed, the scoring methodology remains standardized, though composite calculations now exclude Science.

Q: Should I prepare differently for the digital ACT? A: Yes, familiarizing yourself with digital tools and practicing with shorter, more focused sessions is recommended.

Q: When will international students take the Enhanced ACT? A: International implementations, including in India, begin September 2025.

Q: How do the technical issues affect scoring? A: ACT has protocols to address technical disruptions, ensuring fair assessment despite potential challenges.