Recently, the ACT announced some major changes to the format of the test. Since a lot of high school students take the ACT when applying to college, these changes could affect many students all around the world.
One of the biggest changes is that the test is now shorter than it used to be. The required parts of the test are English, Math, and Reading. These three sections together take about 2 hours and 5 minutes to complete. If a student decides to also take the optional Science section, the test becomes about 2 hours and 45 minutes total.
Another big difference is the amount of time students get for each section. The new ACT timing looks like this:
“Yeah, it was fewer questions but shorter time, so it’s easier.” Sophomore Phoebe Spencer said.
English: 35 minutes (50 questions)
Math: 50 minutes (45 questions)
Reading: 40 minutes (36 questions)
Science (optional): 40 minutes (40 questions)
Writing/Essay (optional): 40 minutes
Even though some sections are shorter, students actually get more time per question than before, which might help people feel less rushed during the test.
Another big change is that the Science section is now optional. Previously, most students had to take it, but now students can choose whether to take it, depending on their college goals or their strengths in different subjects.
“I felt more rushed, because I’m a slow tester,” sophomore Dylan Seraphine said of the new format.
Some students think the shorter test could make things easier because it might be less tiring. However, other students are worried that changing the format might make studying harder since many practice books and older tests use the old version of the ACT.
Overall, the new ACT format will be something many students will have to adjust to over the next few years. While some people are excited about the shorter test and optional sections, others are still unsure how it will affect their scores or preparation.
For now, students at our school will just have to keep preparing and doing their best on test day.
