ACT Science Section Is Now Optional: What Students Need to Know for 2025–2026

TLDR

• The ACT Science section is now optional and no longer part of the main composite score.

• The new ACT Composite includes only English, Math, and Reading.

• Science is still scored (1–36) and reported separately when taken.

• Some colleges still require or recommend a Science score, especially for STEM.

• The changes began rolling out online in spring 2025 and extended to most paper tests by September 2025, with the school-day rollout continuing into spring 2026.

What Changed With the ACT Science Section

For decades, the ACT has tested four core subjects: English, math, reading, and science. Under the upcoming Enhanced ACT, that’s shifting:

• The Science section has become optional. Students can choose whether to take it.

• The ACT Composite score now reflects only English, Math, and Reading.

• If a student takes Science, that score is reported separately.

• A STEM score combining math and science may also be generated if the student takes Science.

• The overall test has fewer questions and takes less time than the legacy ACT.

This is similar to how the ACT Writing section has already been optional for years. Science no longer contributes to the composite, but it still exists as a reported score that admissions officers can see.

When These Changes Take Effect

The rollout has happened in phases:

• Digital administrations introduced these revisions in Spring 2025.

• The paper version followed beginning September 2025.

• Some school-day testing continued phased shifts as part of the broader 2025–2026 implementation.

So students in the Class of 2026 and beyond are most affected by the new scoring structure.

Understanding the New Scoring System

Old vs New Composite

Old ACT:
Composite = average of English + Math + Reading + Science.

New ACT:
Composite = average of English + Math + Reading only.

Science still gets a separate score when taken but doesn't impact your main 1–36 composite.

That gives students more control. If you’re not confident in your science reasoning or you don’t need it for your target schools, you can skip it and focus on the core sections. But if Science aligns with your goals, especially for STEM, it’s usually wise to include it.

What Colleges Think Right Now

There isn’t a universal consensus yet among admissions offices, so it’s essential to check policies for each school you’re applying to:

Require Science:

• Boston University

• Georgetown University

• U.S. Naval and Air Force Academies

Recommend Science:

• Duke University

• Johns Hopkins University

• University of Michigan

Many colleges are still undecided or treat Science as optional in holistic reviews. However, a strong Science score can still boost applications for competitive STEM programs, scholarships, or majors that heavily emphasize data interpretation.

Should You Take the Science Section?

Here’s how to decide:

Take it if:

• You plan to apply to STEM programs.

• You want to maximize scholarship or merit opportunities that look at section scores.

• Target colleges require or recommend ACT Science.

Skip it if:

• Your target schools explicitly don’t require it.

• Your test strategy benefits from focusing on English, Math, and Reading.

• You want a shorter test experience and are confident your other scores are strong.

Generally, even though Science doesn’t count toward the composite, it still matters for many colleges. Being proactive now lets you tailor your testing plan strategically.

How This Affects Your Test Prep Strategy

Since the Science section is now optional, you can tailor preparation:

• Balanced approach: Prepare all sections so you can include Science if needed.

• Targeted approach: Focus primarily on English, Math, and Reading if Science isn’t required for your colleges.

Either way, understanding how schools use Science scores helps you plan intelligently well before test day.

Final Advice for Test-Takers

• Always check individual college requirements for Science. Policies are still updating.

• If you’re a STEM applicant, plan to take Science—it can showcase subject readiness.

• If your colleges don’t emphasize Science, you can choose to skip it and focus on the new core composite.

The landscape is evolving, but informed decisions now give you more control over your testing outcomes and admissions strategy.