New ACT: Science or No Science?

Now that the ACT has launched its latest version, the Science section is optional.

So should a student opt to do the Science section or not?

Truth be told, the jury is still out on the new ACT version.

Yes, the new test is shorter. And yes, removing the Science section might make it a bit easier for some students. In fact, new ACT composite scores will be derived from just the English, Math and Reading sections with a separate data point for the Science section. Also, some students will have the option to take the new ACT digitally.

However, these new changes mean that the next several iterations of the ACT might take some time to settle. One major question that colleges have yet to fully address is whether or not this new ACT can be superscored with the old ACT. (Superscoring means taking the top section score from different test versions to combine for an overall higher score...most colleges will do this automatically for students who sit for different test versions.)

With all of the noise surrounding the new ACT, the generally accepted advice is to opt into the Science section. First of all, assuming a student can book a good score, it is better to provide more data to schools than less. And since the Science section is not reported in your composite score, the risk is low to take this part of the exam.

In fact, colleges are starting to announce their policies around this and it seems that more selective schools may still require a Science score. For example, Boston University recently announced that they will require a Science score for students on the new ACT. Chances are, other colleges and universities will follow suit.

Months from now, or years from now, when scores from the new version have time to concord with the old version, this tune might change. But if you are taking the ACT in the summer or fall of 2025, best to opt into the Science section.

One more note: the Science section on the ACT seems daunting with charts, tables and data interpretation. But, in CROSSWALK's experiences, this is one section that is very coachable. They are some strategies that we work on with students that can turn a bad Science score into a good one.

If you need help, contact CROSSWALK.