The Enhanced ACT: What Students and Parents Need to Know

Big changes are underway for the ACT—and if your teen is testing this year or next, it’s critical to understand how the rollout of the Enhanced ACT could affect their scores, testing strategy, and college admissions journey. While many core skills remain the same, the format, pacing, and scoring are evolving in ways that require careful planning.

At Top Tier Admissions, we’re breaking down the most important updates, and what your family can do now to stay ahead of the curve.

THE ENHANCED ACT: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The Science Section is Optional—But Still Important

The Enhanced ACT makes the science section optional, similar to the now-optional writing section. Some top colleges (Harvard, Yale, Stanford) have already said they will not require it, but some, like Boston University, are requiring all ACT subsection scores be submitted. Many schools haven’t yet updated their policies, so be vigilant in your research ahead of registering.

Top Tip:
Until your student’s final college list is locked in, take the science section. It’s better to have it than regret omitting it later.

Paper Is Still King—for Now

While ACT is introducing digital testing more widely, students still have the option to test on paper. The digital version has reported technical glitches, from unreliable calculators to highlighting features that don’t save.

Top Tip:
Stick with paper testing if available. It’s more reliable—and colleges do not distinguish between paper and digital scores.

Superscoring Policy Is Changing

Starting September 2025, ACT Superscores will include only English, Math, and Reading. Science will no longer be factored into official superscore calculations.

What to Know:
If your student excels in Science, submit that strong full composite score along with the superscore when applying.

Your Student Might Face Two Different ACTs

Until August 2025, students could encounter either the legacy ACT (especially during school-day testing) or the Enhanced ACT (digital, weekend testing).

Top Tip:
Double-check which version your teen will take for each administration. Even national weekend tests won’t be fully transitioned until fall 2025.

Scores Will Look the Same—But Play Out Differently

The ACT will continue to use the 1–36 scoring scale. However, ACT’s internal studies suggest that lower-scoring students could see an even steeper drop-off in the Enhanced version.

Top Tip:
Targeted prep for struggling test-takers matters more than ever. Strengthening fundamentals can make a significant difference.

Expect More Score Volatility

With fewer total questions, each answer carries more weight, making scores less stable from test to test—even for consistent performers.

Top Tip:
Plan for multiple testing dates and maximize superscoring, where colleges take the highest scores across sections from multiple sittings.

You Can’t Outsmart the Test

Embedded “experimental” (unscored) items are scattered throughout the new test, including entire reading passages. There’s no way to spot or skip them.

Top Tip:
Students must treat every question as real—old strategies like “skip the hardest passage” are no longer safe.

Fewer Questions, But Tougher Ones

The Enhanced ACT offers about 20% more time per question and roughly 40% fewer questions if science is omitted. However, the questions themselves are harder, longer, and more analytical.

What to Know:
Pacing remains critical. Students still feel rushed—and they must be able to sustain focus over dense material.

Content and Section Changes You Shouldn’t Overlook

Each subject area has subtle but critical updates:

• English: Shorter passages, heavier focus on editing, less focus on idioms and obscure grammar.
• Math: Only four answer choices (down from five); fewer extreme difficulty questions.
• Reading: Some passages include charts, graphs, or tables alongside traditional text.
• Science: Remains similar, but now optional.

What to Know:
Students who excel in careful reading, logical reasoning, and strategic time management will have a strong advantage.

ACT VS. SAT: SOME THINGS HAVEN’T CHANGED

Even with updates, the basic question remains: Which test is a better fit?

• ACT advantages: Faster workers, students confident in direct recall of math concepts, students who prefer clear, direct questions.
• SAT advantages: Students needing more time to think through multi-step problems, those who excel at in-depth algebra and logical reading.

Top Tip:
Still deciding? Take a full-length diagnostic of both tests early on. A clear preference usually surfaces quickly—and it’s better to invest time in the right test from the start.

MAPPING OUT A TESTING PLAN

This is a pivotal year for ACT takers—but clarity and strategy will set your student apart. Focus on:

• Choosing paper testing wherever possible
• Taking the science section until college policies are finalized
• Planning for multiple ACT sittings to buffer score volatility
• Using updated test prep materials that reflect the Enhanced ACT
• Scheduling diagnostics early to solidify an ACT vs. SAT choice
• Keeping close tabs on testing dates and versions

At Top Tier Admissions, we specialize in building personalized test strategies that align with your student’s strengths—and your family’s college goals. Reach out anytime.

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