Colleges use ACT scores to evaluate each applicant’s readiness and how well they learned what they were taught in high school. Colleges then use this information to decide which students they will accept in each graduating class. As all students can relate, preparing for the ACT can be a very stressful time. Whether it is taking multiple practice tests or taking prep courses, it is very important to make sure you are well prepared. The ACT is a critical test that needs serious preparation. The highest score on the ACT is 36, but the average score for most Ohio students is 19, according to the 2024 scores via act.org. A good score to get into a majority of colleges would be the high 20s. The four sections of the test are English, Reading, Science and Math. Each section is timed and varies from 35 to 60 minutes. According to studies, the most difficult test for most students is science.
“Beginning with the September 2025 test, all students testing on a Saturday, either online or on paper, will experience these benefits. Schools and districts will have these options starting in spring 2026,” according to act.org.
Hoover guidance counselor Mrs. Hollie Donald believes that these changes can be both positive and negative.
“The changes to the ACT, especially in regards to time and reduction of questions, could help to reduce the pressures and anxiety that students feel while testing,” she said. “Students subjects areas of English, Reading and Math are generally more regulated than other subject areas, meaning that the content should be more accessible to students.”
The pressure to finish the test without running out of time is truly nerve-racking. Students are given just enough time to finish each section, and some people finish without being able to go back and review. More time on the test will help.
“I would like to say that students will be more thoughtful and not feel as rushed with their answers with the extended time, therefore helping to increase their scores,” Donald said. “Students often get into high stakes tests with heightened anxiety, so I hope that this will help ease the anxiety of the students and therefore increase scores.”
Although these changes sound good, are they all beneficial?
Without ACT scores, it may be difficult for colleges to accurately compare students from all over the country when GPA and grading scales vary.
“The rigor of the test remains the same, with fewer questions,” Donald said. “I am interested to see if there is a negative impact on scores, as there will not be a built in buffer for questions. I fear that students will not understand the full potential impact of the change before comparing their scores to past student averages, therefore making them less confident when testing.”
From all these modifications taking place, the ACT is indeed changing to fit today’s standards. Just because the test may be different does not mean students should not still prepare thoroughly, as it continues to play a big role in college admissions. In addition, even though it is unclear whether these changes will reduce stress or bring new challenges, the ACT will remain important.
