What Happened to ACT (standardized test)?

The ACT, originally conceived in 1959 by Everett Franklin Lindquist as an achievement-based alternative to the SAT, has consistently evolved to meet the demands of college admissions. For decades, it grew in popularity, particularly in the Midwest and South, eventually surpassing the SAT in total test-takers by 2012. However, the early 2020s brought unprecedented challenges, with the COVID-19 pandemic accelerating the "test-optional" movement, leading many colleges to drop or de-emphasize standardized test requirements.

In response to these shifts and to remain competitive with the SAT's own digital redesign, ACT, Inc. announced a series of major format changes in July 2024, which were phased in between 2025 and 2026. The "Enhanced ACT" introduced a shorter test duration, reducing the core test time from 175 minutes to 125 minutes (without the optional Science section), and decreasing the total number of questions by 44. Key structural adjustments included the English section dropping from 75 to 50 questions, Math from 60 to 45, and Reading from 40 to 36, while increasing the average time per question by approximately 18%. Crucially, the Science section became optional, similar to the Writing section, and the composite score calculation was revised to be based solely on English, Math, and Reading scores.

The rollout of these changes began with national online testing in spring 2025, followed by paper-and-pencil national tests in fall 2025, and finally, the full implementation for all school-day and district testing administrations by spring 2026. This phased approach aimed to provide flexibility and choice to students regarding test format (digital or paper) and optional sections, while streamlining the overall experience. The move was seen as an effort to reduce test-taking fatigue and align the assessment more closely with student and educator feedback.

As of August 13, 2026, the Enhanced ACT format is fully in effect across all testing administrations. However, the most significant recent development occurred on June 30, 2026, when Educational Testing Service (ETS), a major educational testing and assessment nonprofit, announced its acquisition of ACT, Inc. This acquisition brings together two giants in educational measurement, with ETS stating that it aims to expand access to education and career pathways beyond traditional standardized testing, potentially leveraging AI and adaptive assessment technologies. While ETS has assured no immediate changes to ACT products and services, the long-term implications of this merger for the future of the ACT test and its role in college and career readiness are yet to fully unfold.

Concurrently, the landscape of college admissions continues to evolve. While the test-optional movement remains prevalent at many institutions, there has been a notable reversal among highly selective universities. For the 2026-2027 application cycle, many elite schools, including Yale, Dartmouth, Brown, and MIT, have reinstated their SAT/ACT testing requirements, indicating a renewed emphasis on standardized scores as a reliable predictor of college success. This dual trend—a revamped ACT under new ownership and a shifting college admissions policy—positions the ACT at a critical juncture in its history.