Changes to the ACT: What Families Need to Know About the Enhanced ACT (2026 Update)
The ACT has undergone its biggest overhaul in years.
For students preparing to test in 2026 and beyond, understanding these changes is important because the ACT your older sibling, friend, or counselor may have taken is no longer exactly the same test.
The new version—officially called the Enhanced ACT—is shorter, includes fewer questions, gives students more time per question, and makes the Science section optional.
For many students, these changes are good news.
But they also raise new questions:
Should students still take the Science section?
Is the ACT now easier?
How does the new ACT compare to the Digital SAT?
Will colleges care which version you take?
Here's what families need to know.
Why Did the ACT Change?
Over the past several years, the college admissions testing landscape has shifted significantly.
The SAT moved to a shorter digital format, as many students felt the traditional ACT was too long and too heavily focused on speed.
In response, ACT introduced a redesigned exam intended to:
Reduce testing fatigue
Provide more time per question
Offer greater flexibility
Better compete with the Digital SAT
The goal was not to make the test easier.
The goal was to make it more student-friendly and less focused on pacing.
What Changed on the Enhanced ACT?
Several major changes were introduced.
The Science Section Is Now Optional
This is the biggest change.
Under the previous ACT format, Science was required and factored into the Composite score.
Under the Enhanced ACT:
Science is optional
Science no longer affects the Composite score
Students receive a separate Science score if they choose to take it
The Composite score is now calculated using solely:
English
Math
Reading
The ACT Is Shorter
The required portion of the ACT now takes substantially less time than the previous version.
Students complete fewer questions overall while maintaining the same core subjects. The shortened format is designed to reduce fatigue while giving students more time to think through each question.
Students Get More Time Per Question
One of the most common complaints about the traditional ACT was pacing.
The ACT was often viewed as a race against the clock.
Because the Enhanced ACT includes fewer questions, students now have more time available for each question, particularly in Reading and Math.
For many students, this may be the most meaningful improvement.
The Test Remains Available on Paper and Digitally
Unlike the Digital SAT, the ACT continues to offer both:
Digital testing
Paper testing
Students can choose the format that works best for them depending on testing availability.
Enhanced ACT vs. Previous ACT
The table below summarizes the biggest differences.
| Feature | Previous ACT | Enhanced ACT |
|---|---|---|
| Science Section | Required | Optional |
| Composite Score | Included Science | English, Math, and Reading only |
| Test Length | Longer | Shorter |
| Questions | More questions overall | Fewer questions overall |
| Time Per Question | Less time | More time |
| Format | Paper or Digital | Paper or Digital |
Should Students Still Take the Science Section?
This is the question many families are asking.
The answer depends on the student's goals.
Students may want to consider taking Science if:
They are applying to STEM programs
They perform well on ACT Science
Target colleges recommend or require a Science score
They want to showcase additional academic strengths
Students who struggle with ACT Science may benefit from skipping it.
However, because some colleges are still developing policies around the optional Science section, families should review the requirements of their target schools before making a final decision.
Is the Enhanced ACT Easier?
Not necessarily.
Students now have more time per question, which can make the exam feel less rushed.
However, ACT has not suggested that colleges should interpret scores differently.
A 30 on the Enhanced ACT is intended to represent the same level of achievement as a 30 on the previous version.
In other words:
The experience may feel easier.
The scoring expectations have not changed.
How Does the Enhanced ACT Compare to the Digital SAT?
The ACT and SAT are now more similar than ever.
Both exams are:
Shorter than previous versions
Accepted equally by colleges
Available nationwide
Designed to assess college readiness
However, important differences remain.
The ACT May Be Better For Students Who:
Prefer straightforward questions
Like a traditional linear exam
Excel in English and Reading
Want the option of taking Science
The SAT May Be Better For Students Who:
Prefer digital testing
Perform well on adaptive exams
Like the Digital SAT format
Prefer fewer total questions
Families deciding between the two exams may also find our guide on SAT vs ACT: Which Test Is Right for You? helpful.
Will Colleges Care Which Version You Took?
No.
Colleges are already familiar with the Enhanced ACT.
Admissions offices understand the format changes and will continue evaluating ACT scores normally.
Students are not expected to explain which version they took.
Admissions decisions will continue to focus on:
Academic performance
Course rigor
Testing
Activities
Essays
Recommendations
The redesigned format does not create an admissions advantage or disadvantage.
What Should Students Do Now?
The biggest mistake students can make is changing their entire testing strategy simply because the ACT changed.
Instead:
Take a diagnostic test
Compare ACT and SAT performance
Evaluate strengths and weaknesses
Build a preparation plan based on results
For many students, the best test is still the one that matches their skills—not the newest one.
Our Approach at Rath Tutoring
At Rath Tutoring, we help students navigate changes in standardized testing with confidence.
That includes:
Comparing the SAT and ACT
Evaluating whether Science should be included
Identifying the best testing strategy
Building personalized study plans
Preparing for both current ACT and SAT formats
The goal is not simply choosing a test.
The goal is choosing the right test for the student.
The Bottom Line
The Enhanced ACT introduces meaningful changes, including:
A shorter exam
Fewer questions
More time per question
An optional Science section
Greater flexibility for students
For many test-takers, these changes will make the ACT a more attractive option.
However, the best testing strategy still depends on the individual student.
If you'd like help deciding whether the ACT or SAT is the better fit—or building a personalized testing plan—our team is here to help.