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ACT Changes and What They Mean for College Applicants

Standardized testing has long been a cornerstone of the college admissions process in the United States. Exams like the SAT and ACT have provided a uniform metric to assess students' academic readiness, complementing other application components such as GPA, extracurricular activities, and personal essays. However, the landscape of standardized testing is evolving, with significant changes on the horizon — most notably, the upcoming modifications to the ACT.

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The Role of Standardized Testing in College Admissions

Standardized tests have historically offered colleges a consistent measure to compare applicants from diverse educational backgrounds. They aim to level the playing field by providing a common assessment platform, ensuring that all students, regardless of their high school's rigor or grading policies, are evaluated on equal footing. However, the reliance on these tests has been a topic of debate. Critics argue that they may not fully capture a student's potential and can disadvantage those from under-resourced schools or communities. In response, many institutions have adopted test-optional or test-flexible policies, allowing students to decide whether or not to submit standardized test scores as part of their applications.

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Upcoming Changes to the ACT

  1. Optional Science Section: Students will now have the choice to take the ACT without the Science section. The core test will comprise English, Reading, and Math, with Science and Writing offered as optional add-ons. This flexibility allows students to tailor the test to their strengths and the requirements of their prospective colleges. Until we have more information on whether colleges are expecting science scores or not, MPCS College Counselors will advise students to continue to take the science portion of the ACT.

  2. Shortened Test Duration: The revised ACT will be up to one-third shorter, reducing the core test time to approximately two hours. This change aims to alleviate test fatigue and provide a more manageable testing experience. The reduction is achieved by featuring shorter passages in the English and Reading sections and decreasing the total number of questions by 44.

  3. Flexible Testing Formats: Students can continue to choose between online and traditional paper-and-pencil testing formats, accommodating different preferences and accessibilities.

These changes will first be implemented for online testing in April 2025, with the paper-based format adopting the new structure in September 2025. 

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Implications for Students and College Admissions

The forthcoming ACT modifications reflect a broader trend in standardized testing towards flexibility and student-centered approaches. For students, these changes offer the opportunity to highlight their strengths more effectively and reduce the stress associated with lengthy exams. Colleges may also benefit from a more nuanced understanding of applicants' abilities, especially as they navigate the complexities of test-optional admissions policies.

As the role of standardized tests continues to evolve, it is crucial for students to stay informed about testing requirements and options. Engaging in thorough preparation, understanding the specific policies of prospective colleges, and considering how test scores align with their overall application strategy will remain essential steps in the admissions journey.

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A View from Behind the College Counselor's Desk

The COVID era introduced a mass implementation of test-optional policy due to scarcity of testing sites. While this made college admissions more accessible and diverse, it also added some complexities. The long-term impact is still evolving, especially as colleges assess student outcomes and equity concerns in a post-pandemic world. What we are observing is that many colleges are reverting back to a test-required policy and, in fact, are heavily relying on these scores to make admissions decisions. Because of this drastic swing of the pendulum, our recommendation would be to prepare well for either the SAT or ACT and to assume that this will be part of the application process. If a school is test-optional, it is recommended to speak with your college counselor about whether you should submit your scores or not. Test optional does not alway mean test optional.  College counselors can help you to navigate this process!

While standardized tests like the ACT are undergoing significant transformations, their core purpose—to provide a standardized measure of academic readiness—remains intact. These changes aim to create a more equitable and adaptable testing environment, ultimately benefiting students and institutions alike.

 

Viola Lussier is the High School Director of Counseling at Mount Paran Christian School. 
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