Starting this fall, students preparing for standardized tests will now have the option to take the Enhanced ACT. The new version  was created to give test-takers more control and less stress. The test itself is now shorter, with 44 fewer questions overall. For test-takers, this means more time per problem and less time out of their day spent at test centers. 

Senior Olivia Verbitsky noted:“I felt like the shorter test took off a lot of pressure. It felt great to have the time to look back over my answers.” 

The math section is the most different, now offering four multiple choice answers instead of five. In addition to the math section, the reading passages are also being trimmed down and the section will now have four fewer questions overall. 

Another big change is that the Science section will now be optional. A student’s composite score will now only be calculated from the average of their scores on the English, Math, and Reading sections. Any student who opts in to take the Science section will receive a separate score for that section. The Writing section will remain optional and independent.

The Enhanced ACT was introduced in stages. For online testers, it began in April and this September the paper version also made the switch.

            With these changes, the ACT may become a more appealing option for test-takers who had previously struggled with timing or the science section.