Changes Coming to the ACT in 2025 and Beyond

Big Changes Ahead: What You Need to Know About the 2025 ACT Updates

The ACT is undergoing its most significant changes in decades, starting in April 2025, and if you're a student, parent, or educator, staying informed is key. In this blog post, we’ll break down the upcoming changes, why they’re happening, and how to prepare for them, based on insights from our latest episode of the Test Prep+ Podcast with Aimee Urdiales, ACT-certified instructor and owner of U-Prep Test Prep.

What’s Going On with the ACT?

In recent years, standardized testing has been at a crossroads. The SAT and PSAT have already made notable changes, and now the ACT is following suit. The COVID-19 pandemic also reshaped the testing landscape, with many colleges adopting test-optional policies. Despite these shifts, standardized tests like the ACT remain critical for demonstrating college readiness.

Beyond admissions, the ACT provides colleges with insights into:

• How prepared students are for freshman courses.

• Placement in appropriate course levels.

• Data on student performance, helping institutions assess trends in remediation and college readiness.

Why is the ACT Changing?

The ACT has remained largely unchanged for over 30 years, but as education evolves, so must standardized testing. The SAT’s updated format has attracted attention, and the ACT is adapting to remain competitive and relevant in a changing educational environment. These updates aim to reflect modern skills and provide a more streamlined test experience for students.

What’s Changing on the ACT?

Here’s a snapshot of the major updates to the ACT:

• Shortened Test Length: From 3.5 hours to 2 hours and 15 minutes.

• Reduced Questions Per Section: Focused on fewer, high-impact questions.

• Optional Science and Writing Sections: Students can choose whether to take these sections.

• No More Experimental Section: Streamlining the test experience.

The new structure also adjusts time allocation for each section, making it essential for students to practice under updated conditions.

When Are These Changes Taking Place?

Here’s the timeline for the rollout of the new ACT format:

• April 2025: Digital ACT adopts the new format.

• September 2025: Both paper and digital formats will follow the updated structure.

• Spring 2026: All ACT tests (paper and digital) will exclusively use the new format.

How Will These Changes Affect You?

The impact of these changes depends on your graduation year:

• Class of 2025: Changes may not affect you unless you test after February 2025.

• Class of 2026: You’ll encounter the new digital format starting in April 2025.

• Class of 2027 and Beyond: You’ll only experience the new format, so start preparing early!

For educators, these changes mean adjusting teaching strategies to align with the new test structure and helping students adapt to a shorter, more focused test.

What Should You Do Now?

Here’s how to start preparing for the 2025 ACT changes:

1. Take a Diagnostic Test: Use a test designed for the updated format (digital or paper, depending on your plans).

2. Create a Study Plan: Set a goal score and schedule regular practice sessions.

3. Practice Time Management: Learn to pace yourself under the new time constraints.

What Resources Can Help You Transition?

U-Prep Test Prep offers comprehensive resources to guide students, parents, and educators through this transition, including:

• Personalized ACT Prep Courses: Tailored to the new format.

• Diagnostic Tests and Practice Materials: Updated for 2025.

• Specialized Resources for Educators: Tools and strategies to prepare students effectively.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 ACT changes may seem daunting, but with the right preparation and resources, you can approach them with confidence. Stay informed, adapt your strategies, and aim for your goal score!

For more tips and updates, subscribe to the Test Prep+ Podcast and visit U-Prep Test Prep. Don’t forget to join our Black Friday waitlist for exclusive discounts on all our resources, starting November 25th!

Stay prepared, adapt to the changes, and succeed!

Check out all of the resources mentioned in this episode:

·       Join our Black Friday Waitlist here!:  https://bit.ly/uprep-bf-waitlist

·       Subscribe to our newsletter to receive free resources each week: https://u-prep-test-prep.myflodesk.com/freebie-signup

·       Blog post about changes coming to the ACT: https://upreptestprep.net/blog/2025-act-changes

·       Free guide about the changes to the ACT (on the blog webpage) : https://upreptestprep.net/blog/2025-act-changes

·       Check out our ACT Student Study Planner to help create that study plan: https://upreptestprep-site-1ee6.thinkific.com/products/digital_downloads/act-study-planner

·       Take an ACT Diagnostic Test and let us create your study plan for you!  Click here: https://upreptestprep-site-1ee6.thinkific.com/courses/act-diagnostic-testing

·       If you need help in setting your goal score, planning your practice and more, check out this workshop that can help you do just that!  Click here to learn more about our Master Plan for the ACT Workshop: https://upreptestprep-site-1ee6.thinkific.com/courses/master-plan-act-bootcamp

·       If you are looking for personalized test prep, click here: https://upreptestprep-site-1ee6.thinkific.com/courses/act-personalized-course

·       Check out all that we have to offer you at our website: https://upreptestprep.net

Good luck on your test prep journey!

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