College admissions received another shakeup due to recent changes to one of the leading standardized tests used for college admissions, the American College Test (ACT). Beginning in September, high school students experienced a smoother, shorter, and more flexible test-taking process.

Traditionally, the ACT and the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) have been used to measure high school students’ college readiness. The ACT consists of a composite score from four tests: English, Math, Reading and Science, including an optional writing section.

The ACT’s changes have impacted every section. Now the test has 44 fewer questions and runs 75 minutes shorter than the previous version. Before new test-takers begin to fret over the shortened testing time, the latest version of the ACT ensures more time per question. Examining the particular sections, the answer choices in the math section have been reduced to only four answer options and the reading section now contains shorter passages. Additionally, the ACT’s science section is now optional.

Test-takers can expect reduced stress and greater flexibility to focus on their academic strengths. This shift comes during a critical point in the admissions process when colleges are forgoing their pandemic-era test-optional policies. For students like senior Grace Faulk, these changes are encouraging. Faulk explained, “I think that [the changes] are [beneficial] for other students whose strong suit isn’t science, but I’m happy that there’s more time in the math section!” Others, however, are unconvinced: “…I would be more willing to take [SAT]. [However] I still don’t think I’m going to take it,” said senior Maggie Lang.

As students gear up for the 2025-2026 admissions cycle, the ACT has become an increasingly palatable alternative to the SAT. However, the results remain to be seen.