The New Digital ACT: Everything Students and Parents Need to Know.

Confused about the new Digital ACT? You’re not alone.
Big changes are coming in 2025, and if you’re a high school student (or the parent of one), this post is your ultimate guide to understanding what’s new, what’s changing, and how to prepare with confidence.

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🎯 Why This Blog Matters

Standardized testing is evolving—again. The ACT, one of the two major college entrance exams in the U.S., is going digital starting May 2025. But how different is it, really?

This guide breaks it down in plain language:

• ✅ What’s changing (and what’s not)

• ⏱️ Section-wise format & timing

• 📊 New scoring system

• 🧪 Optional science section & STEM score

• 💻 Key dates & test formats

• 📚 How to start preparing right now

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💡 Quick Summary: What’s New in the Digital ACT?

Starting May 2025, the ACT will introduce a digital version of the test with these core updates:

• 📱 Digital Format: The test will be taken on-site using school/test center devices.

• 🔁 Non-Adaptive: Unlike the digital SAT, the ACT will remain a linear test (not computer-adaptive).

• 🧠 Optional Science Section: Science is now optional and contributes to a new STEM score if taken.

• ✏️ Shorter Test: Fewer questions overall; total time is reduced by about 10 minutes compared to the paper version.

• ⏳ More Time per Question: Students will get slightly more time per question across most sections.

• 🎯 Only 4 Answer Choices: All multiple-choice questions will now have four options, instead of five.

• 📄 Paper Version Still Available: Paper-based ACT will still be offered starting September 2025.

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⏰ Section-by-Section Breakdown

Here’s how the digital ACT compares to the current version:

🧠 Composite Score is now based on English + Math + Reading (out of 36).
🧪 If you take Science, a STEM Score is also calculated (still out of 36).
📝 Essay (ELA) score remains separate, graded on a 2–12 scale.

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🔍 What’s Behind These Changes?

According to internal ACT communications, the goal is to:

• Modernize the testing process

• Offer more flexibility (digital & paper)

• Provide additional context-driven questions

• Focus more on essential skills than advanced topics

It’s also worth noting that field test (experimental) questions are embedded in the test to help calibrate difficulty—but students won’t know which ones they are.

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🔬 To Take Science or Not?

Here’s the deal:

• The science section is optional.

• If taken, your score becomes a STEM score.

• It’s recommended if you plan to apply for STEM majors like engineering, medicine, or computer science.

• However, colleges have not confirmed whether this will carry more weight than the SAT (which doesn’t include science).

🚨 Important: Universities are still finalizing their policies on how this new STEM score will be interpreted in admissions.

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🗓️ Key Dates to Know

• May 2025: Digital ACT begins at selected centers in the U.S.

• September 2025: Paper-based ACT (same format) becomes available again

• April 2026: School-day testing begins

• International Rollout: Only digital version will be offered outside the U.S.

Note: You must use the testing center’s device. Personal laptops are not allowed.

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📚 How to Prepare (Even With Limited Resources)

Because this is a brand-new format, there are currently no official practice tests for the digital ACT. However:

✅ You can continue practicing using existing ACT materials
✅ Time yourself with the new per-question pace
✅ Focus on core concepts, especially:

• Algebra & geometry (Math)

• Grammar & punctuation (English)

• Reading comprehension with shorter passages

📥 Tip: A collection of real ACT practice tests (2015–2022) is available online via GitHub and other forums. These are still useful!

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🧠 ACT vs. SAT: Which Should You Choose?

Short answer: It depends on your strengths and test center availability.

• If you’re STEM-focused, ACT might appeal due to the optional science section.

• If you’re more comfortable with shorter tests and computer-adaptive formats, the SAT may suit you better.

• Colleges currently treat both equally.

But here’s the catch: early testers may benefit. Just like when the digital SAT was rolled out internationally in 2023, early ACT testers may experience generous score curves due to limited data calibration.

If you’re in 10th grade (Class of 2027), this is your moment to test smart and early.

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💬 Final Thoughts

The new Digital ACT isn’t revolutionary—but it is different.

Yes, there’s uncertainty. But with clear timelines, better pacing, and flexible formats, students can prepare strategically and still excel.

Stay informed. Start early. Prepare smart.
And most importantly—remember that the ACT is just one part of your academic journey.