The Enhanced ACT introduces significant changes aimed at improving student test-taking experiences and outcomes. Key updates include a shorter test format with more time allocated per item, enhancing online testing options, and a revised scoring system focusing on English, Math, and Reading. This guide provides insights into student feedback, content updates, and the implications for future test-takers. Ideal for educators, students, and parents seeking to understand the latest ACT enhancements and their impact on college readiness.

Key Points

  • Introduces a shorter ACT format with 44 fewer items across sections.
  • Provides approximately 10 additional seconds per item for better student pacing.
  • Focuses on a composite score based solely on English, Math, and Reading.
  • Expands online testing options while maintaining commitment to paper testing.
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ACT®
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26 pages
ACT®
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Jessica Eilertson, M.Ed.
Lead Senior Account Exec AZ & MT
Jessica.Eilertson@act.org
(602) 377-9353
Unlocking Potential:
Understanding The
Enhanced ACT
• 44 items shorter across sections.
• ~10 seconds + per item.
Key Updates to the ACT – for Arizona
Shorter Test, More Time Per Item
More Flexibility
Expand Online Testing
Content Update
• Composite Score based on
English, Math & Reading only.
• Online test is linear, not adaptive.
• Committed to paper testing.
• Rebalance reporting categories.
• Math – 4 answer choices.
• Science – engineering & design.
16,000 students took enhanced test in April 2025.
50 Students took the enhanced ACT online through special testing with accommodations.
Students felt they had enough time to complete the English, reading, and science sections.
95% of students expressed some level of satisfaction with their overall test-taking
experience.
The Enhanced ACT: What Students Are Saying
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FAQs

What are the main changes in the Enhanced ACT format?
The Enhanced ACT format features a reduction in the number of items across sections, allowing for a shorter overall testing time. Specifically, the English section now has 50 items, Math has 45, Reading has 36, and Science remains at 40 items. This change aims to enhance student focus and reduce fatigue during the test. Additionally, students are given more time per item, which is expected to improve their performance and overall experience.
How does the scoring system change with the Enhanced ACT?
The scoring system for the Enhanced ACT has shifted to focus solely on English, Math, and Reading, eliminating the Science section from the composite score calculation. This new composite score is designed to provide a clearer measure of a student's readiness for college-level coursework. Starting in September 2025, all ACT tests will utilize this updated scoring method, ensuring consistency across different testing formats.
What feedback have students provided about the Enhanced ACT?
Feedback from students who participated in the Enhanced ACT has been largely positive. In a recent testing cycle, 95% of students reported satisfaction with their overall test-taking experience. Many students felt they had adequate time to complete the English, Reading, and Science sections, which indicates that the changes made to the test format are resonating well with test-takers. This feedback is crucial for ongoing improvements to the ACT.
What content updates have been made in the Enhanced ACT?
Content updates in the Enhanced ACT include the addition of stems for all items and a reduction in the length of some English passages. The Math section has simplified answer choices from five to four, while the Reading section has increased the focus on integration of knowledge and ideas. These updates are designed to align the test more closely with current educational standards and student needs.

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