We pulled back the curtain on the new, shorter ACT, now available either on paper or digitally!
The head of Carnegie Prep’s SAT/ACT content development team and several of our tutors sat for recent paper-based and digital ACT tests. Here’s what they learned and what each student can expect on test day.
Key Takeaways at a Glance
- The test is much shorter than the legacy ACT! (For full format details, visit our blog post, All About the New, Shorter ACT).
- The new ACT composite score ranges from 1-36 and averages English, Math, and Reading. Science is optional.
- English, Reading, and Science sections are familiar and aligned with past ACTs.
- Math is harder than previous ACTs, especially advanced algebra and statistics.
- Fewer questions mean more time per question, but a less forgiving scoring curve.
- Digital ACT interface worked smoothly and mirrors official practice tests.
What to Expect on Test Day: A Section-by-Section Breakdown
English
- The focus is on grammar and writing skills
- Fifty questions instead of 75
- One passage, comprised of 10 field test questions, is not scored
Key takeaway: Standard ACT English prep still applies. No new concepts or question types to worry about.
Math
- Content includes Geometry, Algebra II/Trig, Pre-Calculus, Probability, and Statistics
- Includes more advanced math questions than legacy ACTs
- More multi-step “puzzle-like” problems
- Questions are not in order of difficulty; advanced topics appear earlier than before
- Students must bring their own calculators; digital ACT has built-in Desmos
- Four field test questions are not scored
Key takeaway: Students aiming for top scores should prepare for advanced concepts earlier. Practice with hardest legacy ACT questions.
Reading
- Passages and difficulty levels are familiar
- Nine questions instead of 10 per passage
- Includes one passage comparing two pieces of writing
- One passage, comprised of nine field test questions, is not scored
Key takeaway: Reading section remains consistent; focus on timing, strategy, and comprehension.
Science (Now Optional)
- Structure/content matches previous versions – analyzing charts, tables, and studies
- Slight increase in questions requiring outside knowledge
- One passage, comprised of six field test questions, is not scored
- Students taking Science get a Science section score and STEM score (average of Math and Science) in addition to Composite
Key takeaway: Students who practice with existing ACT Science materials will be well-prepared. No major curveballs. Choosing whether to take Science is an individual decision.
Paper-based ACT
- Allows students to mark up booklet across all sections
- Easier format: Reading/Science on same two-page spread
- Mirrors format of 40+ legacy ACTs
- Requires manual bubble sheet entry
Digital ACT
- Includes built-in Desmos calculator
- Click-to-answer interface
- Clunkier user experience for Reading/Science (scrolling between passage/questions)
- Scratch paper provided by testing center
Which ACT format is the best test for me?
Choosing between paper or digital ACT, and opting in/out of Science, is an individual decision. Our Academic Advisors can help guide your choice.
Our tutors and teachers have incorporated the new ACT changes into lessons to help students feel confident for test day. Ready to prepare for the new ACT? Explore our in-person and online ACT prep options:
