Changes to ACT Composite Scoring Prompt Reassessment of College Entrance Exam Strategy

The ACT organization has modified the calculation of its Composite score to exclude the science section, a change that took effect for national paper testing in September 2025. This update adjusts how student performance is quantified across the English, mathematics, and reading sections. Consequently, test preparation services are advising families to re-evaluate whether the ACT remains the optimal choice compared to the SAT based on a student's specific academic strengths and testing preferences under the current scoring structure.

The removal of the science section from the ACT Composite score represents a significant shift in standardized testing metrics, potentially altering the competitive landscape for college admissions. By isolating science as a separate, non-weighted component, the ACT has effectively changed the criteria used to evaluate student aptitude. This adjustment requires students and their families to reconsider historical data and previous test comparisons when determining the most suitable exam. For students who previously relied on strong science scores to bolster their overall Composite, this change may diminish their total standing, while those who found science to be a detractor may now see an increase in their reported score.

Furthermore, the shift places a renewed emphasis on pacing and performance within the English, mathematics, and reading sections. As colleges and universities continue to refine their admissions requirements, the divergence between the SAT and the updated ACT format becomes more pronounced. Educational consultants suggest that objective diagnostic testing is now necessary to account for these structural changes. Without a direct comparison of current performance metrics, families may rely on outdated assumptions regarding which examination yields the most favorable result. This transition underscores the importance of periodic re-evaluation of testing strategies as standardized assessments evolve to meet shifting educational standards and institutional requirements across the higher education sector.