The ACT remains a popular and widely accepted college entrance exam, and it’s also evolving. While it still covers familiar academic ground, students today have more testing options and flexibility than ever. Here are 10 things to know about the ACT in 2025:
1. The ACT has four required sections — and one optional.
Students take English, Math, Reading, and Science. The Writing (essay) section is optional and scored separately. Note: Beginning in 2025, some students taking the online ACT will have the option to skip the Science section — but for now, it remains part of the standard ACT for most test-takers.
2. The ACT is scored on a scale of 1–36.
Each section receives a score from 1 to 36, and the Composite score is the average of those four sections. The optional essay is scored separately on a 2–12 scale and does not affect the Composite score.
3. All sections are equally weighted.
Your final Composite score is simply the average of the four required sections — each counts for 25% of the total.
4. Calculators are allowed for the entire Math section.
You can use an approved calculator on all ACT Math questions, with no “calculator-free” portion.
5. Math formulas are not provided.
Unlike the SAT, the ACT expects students to memorize all relevant math formulas, including those for geometry, area, volume, and more.
6. The ACT is fast-paced.
Timing is one of the ACT’s biggest challenges:
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English: 36 seconds per question
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Math: 60 seconds per question
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Reading: 53 seconds per question
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Science: 53 seconds per question
7. The Math section includes more geometry than the SAT.
Geometry makes up roughly 30–45% of the ACT Math section — much more than you’ll find on the SAT.
8. ACT Reading questions are not always in passage order.
Unlike the SAT, ACT Reading questions often appear out of order compared to the passage, requiring sharper scanning skills.
9. All questions are multiple choice (except the essay).
There are no grid-in or open-response math questions. All four main sections are entirely multiple choice.
10. The optional essay asks for your opinion.
The ACT Writing test gives you an issue and three perspectives. You’re asked to evaluate those perspectives and explain your own position with evidence and reasoning.
Final Thought:
The ACT is best suited for students who like to move quickly, are strong in geometry and science reasoning, and prefer a more straightforward test style. As always, the best way to decide is to try a full-length practice test and see how it fits your strengths. Also, consider downloading our ACT and SAT Downloadable Checklists 2025 and 2025 ACT vs. ACT What Parents Need to Know 2025.
