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ACT

The ACT is a standardized test used for college admissions in the United States. As of September 2025, the ACT has fully transitioned to the new Enhanced ACT format, which is available in both digital and paper versions. The test continues to assess college readiness in English, Mathematics, and Reading, with optional sections in Science and Writing. The ACT remains a critical component of the college application process and is widely accepted by colleges nationwide.

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The ACT has Changed:
Here’s What You Need to Know

In April 2025, the ACT got a major update. Students will have the option to take the current Classic ACT (until July 2025) or the Enhanced ACT (as of April 2025, but not fully replacing the Classic ACT until September 2025).

At Academic Approach, we’re here to help you navigate these changes seamlessly and ensure your student is fully prepared for whichever test they take.

What’s Changed on the ACT?

✅ A Shorter Test
44 fewer questions, with more time per question

✅ Science is Optional
Like Writing, students can choose to add on the Science section

✅ Revised Composite Score
Now based on English, Math, and Reading only

✅ Fewer Math Answer Choices
Math now has 4 answer choices instead of 5

✅ The ACT is now offered digitally and on paper
The Enhanced ACT is digital-only until September 2025, then available in both paper and digital formats

How Academic Approach Prepares You for the ACT

Personalized Test Strategy

We’ll help you decide which test to take and when.

Updated Digital
Practice

Get comfortable with the new format.

Proven Score
Boosting

Our students increase their ACT scores by an average of 5-7 points!

Academic Approach's ACT Tutoring Approach

At Academic Approach, we offer a personalized tutoring program for ACT preparation. Our high-impact, tailored programs are designed to meet individual student needs and goals. 

It's why we've designed our ACT tutoring programs to 
  • align with each student's unique needs and objectives,
  • utilize practice test data to guide instruction, and
  • support student growth and confidence.
"My tutor was more than just a weekly appointment. He really listened, always asked how my basketball team was doing, He cared. He made what could have been a boring experience something I looked forward to each week. "
New Trier Student, Class of 2024
Student, New Trier Student, Class of 2024
Beyond the Test

With Academic Approach, students aren’t just preparing for a test; they are building the skills necessary for academic success and beyond.

Empowering Students, Enriching Lives

Academic Approach students don’t just improve their scores; they gain confidence, build resilience, and foster a growth mindset.

Data-Driven Results

We leverage data from diagnostic tests to create a study plan specifically tailored to students’ unique learning needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What has changed on the Enhanced ACT?
  • Shorter test, with 44 fewer questions and more time available per question.
  • Newly optional Science section.
  • Revised Composite score (1-36) that will only include English, Mathematics, and Reading. Optional Science and Writing section scores will be reported separately.  
  • Content revisions including reducing math questions from five to four answer choices, slight changes in the frequency that certain types of questions appear, and additional context for English questions.  
What does this mean for students?

Class of 2026 and Class of 2027 students will have to decide which version of the ACT to prepare for.  

This decision should take into account:

  • where your student currently is in their ACT preparation journey,
  • your student’s testing format preference (pencil-and-paper vs. digital),
  • the multiple testing dates your student has in mind, and
  • where those dates fall within the ACT transition timeline.

You do not want your student stuck in a situation where they have to prepare for both versions of the ACT.

What does Academic Approach recommend?

Class of 2026 students already working with us should not worry about the new ACT and work hard to make sure they are ready to take the Classic ACT twice before September.

Class of 2026 students that have not started ACT preparation should contact us ASAP so we can evaluate their particular situation, skills, goals, and schedule. These students should be prepared to have to work incredibly hard in a short amount of time in order to take the Classic ACT or plan to take the Enhanced ACT.

Class of 2027 students, regardless of where they stand in their ACT preparation, should plan to take the Enhanced ACT. We recommend they start familiarizing themselves with the new test as soon as possible and begin tutoring with us, so that there is enough time in their program to master the necessary skills and potentially adapt to new features of the Enhanced ACT (since our information about the test is limited at the present moment).

How will the newly optional Science section will be graded?

The Science section will still be graded on a scale of 1-36, but it will no longer be part of the overall composite score.

Will ACT superscoring remain available?

Yes

What is the pricing structure of the new ACT?

The Enhanced ACT will cost $65, with a $25 fee to add on the optional Writing section and $4 to add on the optional Science section.  

Is the Enhanced ACT adaptive like the SAT?

No. The ACT will continue to be a linear test 

Will we receive scores back faster?

No, ACT scores will continue to be delivered within the same two-to-eight-week window. 

For More Information

Download our new guide to the Enhanced ACT

Academic Approach Tutoring and Test Prep | Teenage student working on a computer. Text on image details changes to the ACT exam format starting April 2025, including retirement of the Classic ACT and introduction of the digital Enhanced ACT.

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ACT Overview

The ACT is composed of three mandatory sections (English, Mathematics, and Reading) and two optional Writing and Science sections. Each section is scored on a scale of 1 to 36, and these section scores are averaged to calculate students’ composite ACT scores. The test focuses on knowledge and skills students have acquired throughout high school and is intended to reflect student readiness for college-level work.

Sections Overview

English

The 45-minute, 75-question English section tests grammar and usage, punctuation, sentence structure, strategy, organization, and style. The English section features 5 passages, accompanied by four-choice, multiple-choice questions that test students’ understanding of standard written English and rhetorical skills.

Mathematics

The 60-minute, 60-question Math section covers a broad range of math topics like algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. The Math section features five-choice, multiple-choice questions that test students’ abilities to problem-solve, use mathematical skills, and understand complex concepts.

Reading

The 35-minute, 40-question Reading section tests students’ ability to identify main ideas, locate details, draw inferences, and determine the overall meaning of texts. The Reading section features 4 passages from various genres (prose fiction, social science, humanities, and natural science), one of which will be a set of paired texts, and features four-choice, multiple-choice questions that test students’ reading comprehension and analysis skills.

Science (Optional)

The 35-minute, 40-question Science section presents several sets of scientific information (data representation, research summaries, and conflicting viewpoints). The Science section features four-choice, multiple-choice questions that test students’ abilities to interpret, analyze, evaluate scientific information and use reasoning and problem-solving to come to conclusions. The Science section doesn’t test a student’s specific science knowledge but rather their reasoning skills in a scientific context.

Writing (Optional)

In this optional essay section, students are presented with a complex issue and three different perspectives on it. They are asked to develop their own perspective on the issue and analyze the relationship between their perspective and at least one of the given perspectives. It’s about crafting a clear and logical argument, using evidence and reasoning, and writing in standard English.

ACT vs SAT

While both the ACT and SAT are used in college admissions, they do differ in certain aspects. The ACT includes a Science section, while the SAT does not. Furthermore, the SAT has a stronger emphasis on vocabulary, whereas the ACT focuses more on mathematical skills and scientific reasoning. The choice between the two often depends on a student’s strengths and preferences. 

ACT

SAT

The ACT might be a better fit for students who:
The SAT might be a better fit for students who:
Content
Are more comfortable with science-based questions, as the ACT includes a science section.
Excel in problem-solving and critical thinking tasks.
Pacing
Can handle a faster pace. The ACT has more questions in less time compared to the SAT.
Prefer a slightly slower pace. The SAT has fewer questions spread out over a longer time.
Math
Are strong in math. The ACT math section covers more advanced math concepts compared to the SAT.
Are comfortable with algebra and data analysis. The SAT places more emphasis on these areas compared to the ACT.
Strategy
Prefer a more straightforward question style. The ACT is generally considered to be more straightforward in its questioning style.
Are good at deciphering complex problems. The SAT sometimes presents questions in a less direct way.
Scoring
Want a composite score that averages all sections, since the ACT combines all the scores and averages them.
Want a score that emphasizes math, as the SAT gives math a 50% weightage in the total score.

Sounds easy to choose, right? Not so fast!

The SAT vs. ACT decision is different for each student. Let our skilled consultants help you navigate all the factors. Together, we’ll help you make the choice that will most benefit your student. 

Starting Your Journey with Academic Approach

Starting your ACT preparation journey with Academic Approach is easy. It all begins with a complimentary diagnostic test and consultation to understand your student’s individual needs and goals. 

Arrange your consultation today. Together, we will realize your student’s academic aspirations.

Start Your Journey Now

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