The ACT organization has altered their tests this year. The changes stem from statistics, feedback and a chance for more improvement for all students taking the test.
The test time has been shortened and there will be fewer questions, which balances out to give students more time to complete each question than what was previously offered.
There will be 75 fewer minutes, as well as 44 less questions. In the math portion, there will only be 4 answer choices, less than previous years. In the reading portion, there will be shorter text passages, giving you more time to read and analyze the content.
The test consists of four sections: mathematics, English, reading and science.
To take the additional writing portion for an ELA score – which can have an impact on college applications, it will cost you $25. Now that the science portion of the test is optional, if you choose to take it there is an additional $4 fee. Neither fees will be covered by the school.
“If you’re planning on something that’s STEM related in college or future, the science portion would be a good option for you,” Southeast testing coordinator Kellie Loudermilk said.
School districts around the nation are prioritizing higher student achievement, focusing on test scores. According to ACT.org, the national average ACT score is 19.4. Each year, the average score steadily decreases. Greatschools.org states the average score here at Southeast High is a 16. The implemented changes to the ACT open up opportunities for students to achieve higher scores as well as ease anxieties while test taking.
It is greatly recommended that you take the ACT if you plan or decide to further your education anytime after high school. “You never know which direction you’re going to go in your life. So the ACT can be super helpful to not only get into colleges with your scores, but also get some scholarships,” Loudermilk said
For your first time taking the test, typically junior year, the standard test cost is covered by the school. For retakes, the standard test is $68, with extra costs if taking the Science and Writing portion. Test scores range from 1-36, a 36 is the highest possible score. On the ACT website, practice tests are available for all students for preparedness. The ACT test will be taken here on Feb. 25, 2026.
