Enhanced ACT – Science & Superscoring FAQ’s

ACT has rolled out “Enhancements” on national test dates starting in September 2025 on both paper & computer testing.

“Enhancements” mean fewer questions on English/Math/Reading and Science is now optional.

Here are the standard time Enhanced ACT section details:*

English – 50 questions, 35 mins (was 75 questions, 45 mins)
Math – 45 questions, 50 mins (was 60 questions, 60 mins)
Reading – 36 questions, 40 mins (was 40 questions, 35 mins)
Science – 40 questions, 40 mins (was 40 questions, 35 mins) – optional

*Contact Robi for specifics on extended time Enhanced ACT section details.

 

Will the content of the sections change?
ACT has stated that the content of the “Enhanced” ACT will not change significantly from the content of the legacy ACT.

 

Will scoring change?
Yes. For students who take the Enhanced ACT, ACT will not use Science scores in composite or superscore calculations that show in their MyACT account. Composite scores starting in Sept 2025 will be calculated by adding up English/Math/Reading scores and dividing by 3. Superscores starting in Sept 2025 will list the student’s best Science score alongside their superscore, but the overall superscore listed in the MyACT account will be calculated by adding up the best English/Math/Reading scores and dividing by 3.

 

How are colleges handling things?
Colleges vary in the way they’re handling the ‘optional’ Science section as well as how they’re handling Enhanced ACT scoring.
Some colleges require Science; some don’t; some encourage it for certain majors.
Some colleges are recalculating students’ superscores with Science if Science scores are listed; some will just use the English/Math/Reading superscore as listed in MyACT accounts and use that (even if there is a Science score listed).

 

Should I take the 'Enhanced' ACT?
It depends. Students need to think about a few things and do some research.
First, which colleges are at the top of my list? Do they superscore or not? What happens to my superscore if Science is removed?

Students should recalculate their superscore by adding up their best English/Math/Reading scores and dividing by 3.
Some students’ superscores are the SAME with or without their best Science score, so it’s up to them to decide if they want to work toward higher scores and take the Enhanced ACT.
Some students’ superscores might DROP due to Science not being used in the calculation. If a student’s superscore drops without Science, then it’s worth some thought before taking the ACT again because they’re starting from a ‘lower’ superscore without Science. (If this happens to your student, please have them email Robi.)
Some students’ superscore might RISE due to Science not being used in the calculation. If a student’s superscore rises without Science, then it might be worth taking the ACT again so their higher superscore (calculated with only English/Math/Reading) is reflected in their MyACT account.

 

Should I take the Science section of the ACT?
It depends. If any college on a student’s list requires ACT Science, then yes, they should take ACT with Science. If a student is interested in a STEM field, then it might be in their best interest to have the highest Science score they can achieve.

 

What should students do from here?
Students need to research their top colleges’ admissions pages to read their Science and superscoring policies. If specific information is not listed, I encourage my students to email their admissions counselor at each college and plainly ask: “How is {college name} handling the ACT Science section and Science scores on the ‘enhanced’ ACT that rolls out in September?”

If a student has a Science score that helps their superscore, I would also encourage adding: “I have a strong Science score, so I am hoping that {college name} will include the Science section score in your calculation of my superscore for admission & scholarship opportunities.”

Students, please share any info you learn from colleges on these topics with Robi via email or Remind!

For students using our continued guidance, we have already updated all our practice tests to reflect these enhancements and will share this information then too.