ACT 2025 New Format — Enhanced ACT Score Calculator
Calculate your ACT score under the new 2025 format, understand section retakes, and see how the new format changes your test strategy.
ACT Inc announced the most significant ACT redesign in decades effective 2025 — a shorter test, individual section retakes, a digital delivery option, curriculum updates, and new ACT9 Science subscores. The composite 1–36 scoring scale remains unchanged, and 2025 format scores are directly comparable to previous format scores for college admissions. This page covers everything students need to calculate and interpret scores under the new 2025 system.
ACT 2025 — What Has Changed and What Has Stayed the Same
- Test length is shorter — overall duration reduced to approximately 2 hours for the core test
- Section retakes — students can retake individual sections rather than the full test
- Digital delivery — computer-based testing now available at approved centers
- Content updates — questions better aligned with current high school curricula
- ACT9 subscores — new 1–9 diagnostic scores within the Science section
- Section retake pricing — lower cost option for targeted retakes
- Composite score scale: 1–36
- Individual section scales: 1–36 each
- Four sections: English, Mathematics, Reading, Science
- Composite formula: average of 4 sections rounded to nearest whole number
- Optional Writing essay (still available as an add-on)
- Score Choice: students still control which scores are sent
- All colleges continue to accept ACT scores
- 2025 scores are directly comparable to previous format scores
ACT Section Retakes — Complete Guide to the New Policy
Section retakes are the most strategically significant new feature of the 2025 ACT. Students who have taken the full ACT can now retake individual sections rather than the entire test — a major advantage for targeted score improvement.
Must have taken the full ACT at least once before retaking individual sections. Section retakes are available starting 2025 at approved test centers.
Select which section(s) to retake during registration. On retake day, only the selected sections are administered. A new score is produced for that section only.
Colleges that superscore can combine the best section score from full test attempts and section retakes. Check your target colleges' superscore policies.
Because only one section is being retaken, all preparation time focuses on that section — far more efficient than preparing for the full test again.
Retake a section if ALL of the following are true:
- The section score is 3+ points below your highest section score
- Your target college superscores ACT results
- The improved superscore would meet or exceed the college's middle 50% lower bound
- You have adequate time to prepare specifically for that section before the retake date
Digital ACT 2025 — Computer-Based Testing Explained
- Comfortable reading and working on screen
- Prefer the Desmos graphing calculator interface for Math
- Type faster than you write (if taking Writing essay)
- Digital test centers are more accessible in your area
- Prefer traditional pencil-and-paper test environment
- Find on-screen reading slower or more tiring
- Nearest test centers only offer paper format
- Prefer handwriting notes and annotations on the test booklet
Scores are identical regardless of format — ACT has confirmed digital and paper scores are on the same scale. Take a practice test in each format using ACT resources at act.org before deciding. Individual preference varies significantly.
ACT9 Science Subscores — Understanding the New 1–9 Diagnostic Scores
The 2025 ACT introduces more granular Science subscores on a 1–9 scale. These diagnostic scores break Science performance into specific skill areas — providing more detail than the single 1–36 Science score.
| ACT9 Subscore Area | What It Tests | How to Improve |
|---|---|---|
| Interpretation of Data | Reading graphs, tables, charts, and data figures accurately | Practice extracting information from data representations; graph-reading exercises |
| Scientific Investigation | Understanding experimental design, controls, variables, and methodology | Study experimental design principles; practice questions on controls and variables |
| Evaluation of Models | Comparing competing scientific explanations and evaluating which best fits the data | Practice comparing multiple viewpoints; evaluate supporting and contradicting evidence |
2025 ACT Format Scores vs Previous Format — Are They Comparable?
ACT Inc has confirmed that 2025 format scores are designed to be directly comparable to previous format scores. A composite of 28 on the 2025 format represents the same level of achievement as a composite of 28 on the previous format.
ACT uses equating — the same statistical process that ensures scores are comparable across different test dates is applied between old and new formats.
Pre-2025 ACT scores remain valid. Students can superscore across old and new format attempts at colleges that accept superscoring.
Official concordance tables between old and new formats will be published by ACT Inc as 2025 data accumulates. Check act.org for the latest tables.
For cross-test comparisons between ACT and SAT scores, use the ACT to SAT Conversion tool which uses the official College Board / ACT concordance table.
ACT 2025 Test Strategy — How the New Format Changes Your Approach
Shorter Test Implications
Less overall fatigue means you may maintain higher focus throughout. Stamina training is slightly less critical but per-question timing remains similar — fewer questions on the same schedule means each question still matters. Practice under the new format's timed conditions once official materials are available.
Section Retake Strategy
Take the full test first — section retakes require a prior full test attempt. Aim for your genuine best performance as this establishes your baseline. Immediately after results, identify your weakest section using this calculator's retake recommendation tool. Begin targeted preparation for that section while knowledge is fresh.
Digital vs Paper Decision
Take one full-length timed practice test in each format using official ACT materials before deciding. Do not assume digital is easier or harder — individual preference varies significantly and affects performance by multiple composite points for some students.
ACT9 Subscore Targeting
If your overall Science score is below target, use ACT9 subscores to identify the specific skill area dragging it down. A student weak in Interpretation of Data should focus on graph-reading practice. A student weak in Scientific Investigation should focus on experimental design questions. Targeted preparation is more efficient than general Science review.
ACT 2025 Test Dates and Registration Guide
| Month | Section Retakes |
|---|---|
| February | Check act.org |
| April | Check act.org |
| June | Check act.org |
| July | Check act.org |
| September | Check act.org |
| October | Check act.org |
| December | Check act.org |
Not all dates offer section retakes or digital format. Verify at act.org.