The Digital ACT & Enhanced ACT: What Changed in 2025

If you’ve heard “the ACT is digital now,” you’re not wrong. But there’s more to it. 

The ACT organization rolled out an online test option at select test centers. You can now take either the paper-based or online ACT. Either way, colleges receive ACT scores just the same.

The ACT organization also launched the Enhanced ACT, a shorter test with more time per question. As of November 2025, the Enhanced ACT is live for U.S. National online testers and paper testers. State & District (school day) and International switch in Spring 2026.

Despite some colleges remaining test-optional, taking the ACT can still be beneficial for scholarships, placement, and honors programs. If you’re interested in taking the ACT, we recommend familiarizing yourself with the test format, practicing in that format, and registering early.

Taking the ACT digitally (online)

We need to clear one thing up straight away. Online does not mean at home. You will still take the digital ACT at an ACT‑authorized test center with proctors, just like with paper testing. 

When you register, you’ll choose between a computer-based (online) or paper test option. Then you can see which centers offer each format. Some online sites allow you to bring your own device if your laptop meets the ACT requirements. 

Other sites provide a locked‑down device. If you bring your own, charge it fully, bring your charger, and arrive early to check in and set up the secure test app.

The digital ACT experience

If you take the online version, you sit at a desk with your device. Headphones are only allowed if your approval specifically includes them. The proctor starts your session, and the test opens in a secure browser. 

You work through one section at a time and can move forward and backward inside that section. A question navigator displays answered, unanswered, and marked-for-review items, so you always know where you stand.

Built‑in tools to help you focus

Accessibility

• Screen reader and text-to-speech services for eligible students with accessibility needs.
• Color and contrast options to adjust the display.
• Magnification to scale text and visuals.

Reading and annotation

• Line reader to track your place in passages.
• Highlighter to tag key phrases and details.

Elimination and focus

• Answer masking to hide distractors.
• Option eliminator to cross off choices you ruled out.

Navigation and pacing

• Mark for review to flag items you want to revisit.
• On‑screen timer you can keep visible or minimize.

Math

• On‑screen calculator in Math. You may still bring a permitted handheld calculator and use whichever feels faster.

What you can bring and use for the ACT

Scratch paper is allowed for the online test and provided by the center. You will return it when you finish. For paper testing, you annotate in the booklet. Calculators must follow the same permitted models list as paper testing. Phones and smartwatches are turned off and stored for the entire session.

Accommodations

If you are approved for accommodations, the online platform supports extended time and accessibility features that the proctor applies to your session. Coordinate with ACT and your test center before test day so everything is ready when you arrive.

The Enhanced ACT

What is the Enhanced ACT? It’s the new version of the test, giving you fewer questions and more comfortable timing. Both online and paper test options now use it. With the Enhanced ACT, you’ll see:

• Shorter test with more time per question. The section lengths and question counts have been updated, making pacing feel more manageable.

• Math now has four answer choices instead of five. You still show the same skills, but eliminating one distractor reduces guess‑and‑check time.

• Science and Writing are optional add‑ons. Take them if they help your application strategy. You can register for the core test only or add one or both of them.

• Composite now averages English, Math, and Reading. Science no longer feeds into the Composite. Science still appears on your score report and contributes to your STEM score along with Math.

Why this matters: the new pacing rewards steadiness and reduces the need to rush. Many students find they can breathe, think, and still finish in time.

What is on the Enhanced ACT 

If you take only the test for core subjects, you’ll see:

• English: 50 questions in 35 minutes
• Math: 45 questions in 50 minutes
• Reading: 36 questions in 40 minutes

You can expect short transitions between the sections, and the total working time for the core is approximately 2 hours and 5 minutes.

• If you add Science: 40 questions in 40 minutes.
• If you add Writing: one essay in 40 minutes.

The order generally flows like this: English, Math, Reading, then optional add‑ons. The passages are a mix of lengths. Some questions connect to a single passage, while others require comparing two viewpoints or data sets.

Enhanced ACT scoring 

What changed:

• The Composite now averages English, Math, and Reading. Science no longer feeds into the Composite score.
• If you add the Science test, you still get a separate Science score and a STEM score (the average of Math + Science) on your report.

What stayed the same:

• Section scores still use the 1–36 ACT scale.
• Colleges read ACT scores the same way across paper and online formats, and the ACT considers legacy (pre-enhancement) and enhanced Composite scores interchangeable for the same purposes.

Superscore and sending scores

• Superscore still pulls your best section scores across dates, now using the EMR method (English, Math, Reading) for the Composite. If you have a Science score, it will still display and contribute to STEM, but not to the Superscore Composite.
• When you send scores, you choose specific test dates or send your Superscore. Policies about what colleges prefer can vary, so check each school.

Score release window

• Score delivery timing hasn’t changed. Multiple‑choice scores are typically posted in two to eight weeks. If you take Writing, expect about five to eight weeks.

Wondering about how your score stacks up? Here's what makes a good ACT score, and here are colleges by ACT score. 

Deciding on the Science or Writing test?

Add the Science test if you plan to apply to STEM majors, if a program requires it, or if your practice tests show a strong score that helps your profile. Add the Writing test if a college requires or recommends it, or if you want another opportunity to demonstrate analytical writing skills.

Skip sections that do not serve your goals. Undertaking fewer sections reduces fatigue and lets you focus on the Composite.

How to prep for the Enhanced ACT

Practice in the real interface. Use official online practice so the tools feel normal. If you are taking paper, still try the online practice once to learn the modern question styles and pacing.

Use the on‑screen calculator in practice and bring a permitted calculator as backup. Speed and comfort matter more than brand loyalty.

Set a pacing plan by section. Convert minutes to a target time per question. Move when you hit your time. Mark an item for review and come back with fresh eyes.

Build a light routine. Two or three focused sessions per week are more effective than marathon cram days. Rotate English mechanics, Math skills, and Reading strategies. If you add Writing, include a timed 40‑minute essay every week for three weeks.

Device preflight checklist (30 seconds). Update your device, turn off auto‑updates, log out of messaging, and know how to connect to the secure test app at your center. Pack your charger.

Night‑before checklist. Print your admission ticket, and set two alarms. Pack your ID, approved calculator, pencils, snack, water, and a light layer. Charge your device if you plan to bring it. 

When to take the Enhanced ACT

Most students take the test in their junior year, so there is room for a strategic retake. If you want an online seat, register early because testing availability varies. Align your test date with your first application deadlines so you’ll have your score, should you choose to report it. 

For merit scholarships, having an earlier score can help you qualify before funds run low.

Free ACT prep resources

Try a free full‑length Enhanced ACT practice test before you commit to any paid option. Let how you do on it guide where you spend time and money. 

Here are some common resources: 

• Official ACT: free practice questions and a full‑length practice test, plus optional paid tools
• Reputable providers often offer free diagnostics, practice tests, and flashcards. Check Kaplan, Princeton Review, Magoosh, Peterson’s, Varsity Tutors, Shmoop, Mometrix, and PrepScholar.
• YouTube: look for walkthroughs of real ACT‑style items and timed practice sessions

Should you pay for an ACT tutor or class?

A tutor or class adds structure, feedback, and accountability. It can be worth it if you struggle to stay consistent or want expert pacing strategies. But if you are organized and motivated, a self‑paced course or a book can work, too.

How to decide

• Start with a diagnostic test
• Set a target Composite and section goals
• Pick the lightest option that will keep you consistent for 8–12 weeks
• Ask your counselor for local recommendations with measurable results

Even a few targeted sessions to analyze practice tests can help identify where to focus and how to avoid common pitfalls.

How to register for the ACT

1. Create or sign in to MyACT.
2. Choose 'Computer' for online testing or 'Paper' for paper-based testing.
3. Pick a test center and date. Online seats may be limited.
4. Decide whether to add Science and Writing.
5. Complete registration and review deadlines for changes. You can switch formats before the late deadline if seats exist. Fees may apply.

You can do this

You don't have to love standardized tests to perform well on them. Choose your preferred format and practice the test accordingly. If your first score is not the one you need, adjust your study plan and try again. It’s very common for students to retake the ACT and improve their scores.

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