The Enhanced ACT Is Here: What Students Need To Know

The ACT has officially changed, and the new Enhanced ACT is designed to create a more student-friendly testing experience.
Compared to the previous version of the exam, the Enhanced ACT is shorter, contains fewer questions, gives students more time per question, and changes how the Composite ACT score is calculated. For many students, these updates make the ACT feel less overwhelming while still measuring the academic skills colleges value.
If you’re preparing for the ACT in 2026 or beyond, here’s everything you need to know about the new format.

When Does The Enhanced ACT Start?

The Enhanced ACT began rolling out for U.S. online national testing in spring 2025 and became the standard format for national ACT test dates during the 2025–2026 testing cycle.
For state and district school-day testing, the Enhanced ACT begins in spring 2026.
Students should confirm which version of the ACT they will take based on their testing date and whether they are testing nationally or through their school.

How Is The Enhanced ACT Different?

The Enhanced ACT introduces several significant improvements designed to reduce testing fatigue and improve pacing.
The previous ACT included:
    •    215 questions
    •    175 minutes of testing (not including breaks or the optional Writing section)
The Enhanced ACT now includes:
    •    131 questions without the optional Science section
    •    125 minutes of testing without the optional Science section
That’s 84 fewer questions and nearly an hour less testing time.
Perhaps even more importantly, students now receive more time per question, giving them a better opportunity to carefully read passages, solve math problems, and avoid rushing through the exam.

Enhanced ACT Section Changes

Each required section has been shortened while improving pacing.
English
Previous ACT
    •    75 questions
    •    45 minutes
Enhanced ACT
    •    50 questions
    •    35 minutes
Math
Previous ACT
    •    60 questions
    •    60 minutes
Enhanced ACT
    •    45 questions
    •    50 minutes
Reading
Previous ACT
    •    40 questions
    •    35 minutes
Enhanced ACT
    •    36 questions
    •    40 minutes
These updates give students noticeably more time per question, making the exam feel less rushed than previous versions of the ACT.

The Biggest Change: ACT Science Is Now Optional

The most significant change to the Enhanced ACT is the Science section.
On the previous ACT:
    •    Science was required.
    •    Science counted toward your Composite ACT score.
On the Enhanced ACT:
    •    Science is optional.
    •    Science does not count toward the Composite ACT score.
Instead, the Composite score is calculated using only:
    •    English
    •    Math
    •    Reading
The optional Writing section remains available and is scored separately.
For many students, removing Science from the Composite score may lead to a stronger overall ACT score.

Should You Take the ACT Science Section?

Although Science is now optional, that doesn’t mean every student should skip it.
You should strongly consider taking the ACT Science section if you’re applying to:
    •    STEM programs
    •    Engineering programs
    •    Nursing programs
    •    Pre-med tracks
    •    Highly selective colleges or universities
    •    Colleges that recommend or require an ACT Science score
For students pursuing these academic paths, a Science score can strengthen a college application and demonstrate readiness for challenging science coursework.

My Recommendation

I highly recommend taking a full-length ACT practice test with the Science section before deciding whether to register for the optional Science portion.
If Science is one of your stronger subjects, including it on test day may be a smart decision.
If you’re planning to apply to STEM, engineering, nursing, pre-med, or highly selective colleges, I generally recommend taking the Science section even if your first practice score isn’t where you’d like it to be. An initial practice test is simply a starting point, and many students see significant improvement with targeted preparation.
Rather than making the decision based on assumptions, let your practice test results and your college goals guide your choice.

Is the Enhanced ACT Easier?

Many students will likely find the Enhanced ACT less intimidating than previous versions.
The new format offers several advantages:
    •    Fewer total questions
    •    Shorter testing time
    •    More time per question
    •    Greater flexibility with an optional Science section
    •    A Composite score that is no longer affected by Science performance
While the academic content remains rigorous, these structural improvements may help students feel more confident and less fatigued throughout the exam.

Who Benefits Most From the Enhanced ACT?

The Enhanced ACT may be especially beneficial for students who:
    •    Previously struggled with time management
    •    Felt overwhelmed by the length of the ACT
    •    Performed well in English, Math, and Reading but struggled in Science
    •    Want a more flexible testing experience
Students who fit these categories may find that the new format better reflects their academic strengths.

Final Thoughts

The Enhanced ACT represents one of the biggest changes in the exam’s history. With fewer questions, a shorter testing time, more time per question, and an optional Science section, many students may find the exam more manageable than ever before.
However, students applying to STEM, engineering, nursing, pre-med, or highly selective colleges should carefully consider whether taking the optional Science section is the best strategy for their college applications.
The best approach is to take a practice ACT with Science, evaluate your performance, research the expectations of the colleges on your list, and choose the testing option that best supports your goals.
With the right preparation and strategy, the Enhanced ACT can help you showcase your strengths and maximize your college admission opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the ACT shorter now?

Yes. The Enhanced ACT is significantly shorter than the previous version, reducing the number of questions and total testing time while providing students with more time per question.

Does ACT Science count toward the Composite score?

No. On the Enhanced ACT, the Composite score is based only on English, Math, and Reading. The Science section is optional and scored separately.

Should I take the optional ACT Science section?

It depends on your college goals. Students applying to STEM, engineering, nursing, pre-med, or highly selective colleges should strongly consider taking the Science section.

Is the Enhanced ACT easier than the old ACT?

The content remains academically challenging, but the shorter format, improved pacing, and optional Science section may make the Enhanced ACT feel less stressful for many students.

Can I still take the ACT Writing section?

Yes. The Writing section remains optional and is scored separately from the Composite score.

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