Online ACT: Predictions from a Tutor

In April, ACT Online Testing will be offered for the first time in the United States. Students and parents are understandably confused about the new exam’s differences and admissions status when compared to the SAT and paper ACT. This post will inform parents and students about the admissions industry’s current knowledge and predictions for the Online ACT. 

Uncertainty and Controversy

Reactions to the ACT’s changes have been mixed. Students who struggle with STEM subjects sense opportunity, but the ACT’s traditional STEM-leaning students worry about losing their advantage in college admissions. Without a required science section to display their skills, STEM-leaning students may struggle to differentiate themselves from other SAT and ACT test takers. Furthermore, the ACT’s changes are occurring in the wake of the Digital SAT’s increase in Math and Verbal difficulty for high scorers. Students, parents, and tutors are understandably disoriented.

Content Changes and Score Inflation

The content of the ACT is expected to remain largely the same, though some minor changes can be observed in the Online ACT sample: the English section consisted of four long passages and two short passages rather than the previous five long passages of equal length (see above); the Reading section has been pared down from 10 questions to 9 questions per passage; and the Science section has one additional passage with few questions per passage. The most significant change is the optional Science section.

Based on a webinar offered by ACT researchers and writers, their sample exam did not reveal significant score change. Moreover, researchers did not expect the optional science section to shift composite scores by more than one point. This data suggests that admissions officers may accept Online ACT scores that exclude the optional science section.

Predictions from a Tutor

Due to the ACT’s new format, I expect minor score inflation on the high end for the 2025-26 admissions season. It will be more difficult for high-scoring students to distinguish themselves from their competition. Therefore, high-scoring students should consider taking the more challenging Digital SAT while lower-scoring students should consider the new opportunities presented by the Online ACT.

However, students and instructors remain uncertain about how admissions officers will respond to the ACT’s modified format for the 2025-26 admissions season. Many universities may decide to require the ACT’s science section to present a more complete profile of their applicants. Due to this uncertainty, students should consider waiting until the conclusion of the 2025-26 admissions season before setting their sights on the new ACT format.