Our Thoughts On The Enhanced ACT

For years, we’ve advised our students on the impact of the SAT and ACT exams on their college admissions. Students often ask us which test we recommend. As always, we suggest taking practice exams to see if the student prefers the ACT or the SAT. However, it is important to note that the Enhanced ACT exam introduces several changes that have raised concerns for some of our students. This concern is also evident in the online dialogue among other counselors and students alike. Because of these new observations, we think it is important to digest how the Enhanced ACT has impacted some test takers.

1. Greater Impact of Each Mistake

• With fewer total questions (about 40% fewer if the Science section is omitted), each incorrect answer now carries more weight in determining a student's score. The chance for greater score changes between test dates is increased, even for students whose scores have been consistent.

• A single error can have a more significant effect on the final score, making the test feel higher-stakes and less forgiving than the classic ACT.

2. Some students think the new ACT is more difficult than the previous version.

• Although students have more time per question (about 20% more), the remaining questions are generally harder, longer, and more analytical. The test has eliminated many of the easier questions, so the overall experience may feel more challenging, especially for students who previously relied on scoring well on these questions. A single error can have a more significant effect on the final score, making the test feel higher-stakes and less forgiving than the classic ACT.

• The pace is still demanding, and many test-takers report still feeling rushed despite the increased time per question

3. Score Instability and Superscoring

• Fewer questions mean less stable scores; minor performance differences can result in larger swings in reported scores. 

• Superscoring (combining best section scores from multiple test dates) is now more important, but starting September 2025, Science scores will be excluded from superscores, which may disadvantage students who excel in science.

4. Embedded Experimental Questions

• The Enhanced ACT now includes unscored "experimental" questions scattered throughout the test, including entire reading passages. Students cannot identify or skip these, so every question must be treated as if it counts, eliminating previous strategies like skipping the hardest passage.

5. Optional Science Section and College Admissions Uncertainty

• The Science section is now optional, but not all colleges have clarified whether they require it. While some top colleges have indicated they won't require it, others are still requiring all ACT subsection scores. Until college policies are fully updated, students might need to take the Science section to keep their options open.

6. Section-Specific and Content Changes

• English: Shorter passages, more editing-based questions, less focus on idioms, and obscure grammar.

• Math:  Fewer answer choices (four instead of five), fewer extreme-difficulty questions, but some reports of harder questions appearing earlier in the section.

• Reading:  More analytical questions, some passages now include charts or tables, and passage order may change.

• Science:  Optional, but structure and content remain similar to the classic ACT.

7. Misconceptions About Ease and Format

• The Enhanced ACT is not digital-only; both paper and digital formats are available, but access to the digital version depends on test center resources.

• Despite more time per question and fewer questions, the Enhanced ACT is not necessarily easier—in fact, many students may find it more challenging.

While the Enhanced ACT provides more time per question, the increased difficulty of the remaining questions and the inability to skip experimental items might pose significant challenges for slower readers. Targeted preparation focusing on accuracy and analytical skills will be more important than ever. The jury is out on the ACT’s stated goal to reduce stress and fatigue among test-takers; in reality, this may not be the case. 

Remember, as in all things related to college admissions, you should choose the path that is best for you. And, optional means optional - you will make the final decision regarding whether or not you want to submit your scores. You should submit your test scores only if you believe they will strengthen your application—typically, if your scores fall within or above the college’s published mid-50% range for admitted students.