The SAT and ACT are standardized tests that colleges and universities use as part of their admissions criteria. All schools consider both the SAT and the ACT equally, meaning a student can submit either test score without penalty or preference. While not every school requires students to submit a test score, a strong score can significantly boost a student’s application.
While the SAT rolled out most of their changes in 2024, the ACT is still making adjustments to its test administration. For students taking the ACT in the United States, changes begin in April 2025.
In the US, students still have the option to take the computer-based test or the old-fashioned paper and pencil test. Internationally, all students take the computer-based test. In seasons past, both versions of the tests were identical. Now, the computer-based test differs in many important ways.
What’s on the paper and pencil ACT?
This is what students will face on the paper-based test:
| Test | Number of Questions | Minutes Per Test |
|---|---|---|
| English | 75 | 45 |
| Mathematics | 60 | 60 |
| Reading | 40 | 35 |
| Science | 40 | 35 |
| Writing (optional) | 1 essay | 40 |
Notice that the writing section is optional, meaning students don’t have to sit the full 3 hours and 35 minutes. Without the writing section, the length of the test shrinks to 2 hours and 55 minutes.
The ACT is scored on a scale of 1-36, with 36 being a perfect score. Students who choose to take the writing portion are given a separate score for that section which ranges from 2-12.
What’s on the computer-based ACT?
Here is what students will face on the computer-based ACT:
| Test | Number of questions | Minutes per test |
|---|---|---|
| English | 50 | 35 |
| Mathematics | 45 | 50 |
| Reading | 36 | 40 |
| Science (Optional) | 40 | 40 |
| Writing (Optional) | 1 essay | 40 |
Notice the reduced number of questions in the English, Math, and Reading sections. The ACT has cut 44 questions from the main body of the test. They have also made the Science section optional. This means that students taking the computer-based test can take a shortened version of the ACT that lasts only 2 hours and 5 minutes long – which is shorter even than the revised, digital SAT.
There is a catch: the ACT still scores all its tests – whether you take the science section or not – on a 1-36 scale. This means that if you are taking the shorter version of the test, each question is weighed more. In other words, taking the science section gives you more opportunity to have a higher composite score.
Should I take the shortened version of the ACT?
Each student is different, so the answer to this question depends on a few different variables. Does the student perform well over long stretches of time? Do they burn out after 2 hours, or can they keep going? Is the science section a strong suit, or is it only pulling down their score?
The best way to get the answers you need are to work with an Aristotle Circle tutor, who can guide you to not only a great score, but a great test-taking experience. Start today by visiting us at www.aristotlecircle.com or emailing info@aristotlecircle.com.
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