The New ACT Format (2025-2026)
Starting in Spring 2025, the ACT is introducing significant changes, including making the Science section optional. This aligns the ACT more closely with the SAT, which has never had a dedicated science section.
How is the "No Science" ACT Scored?
Traditionally, the ACT Composite score was the average of four sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science.
If you choose to skip the Science section, your Composite score will be calculated as the average of your three remaining sections:
(English + Math + Reading) รท 3
The result is rounded to the nearest whole number. For example, if your average is 29.5, your score becomes a 30. If it is 29.33, your score remains 29.
Should You Skip the Science Section?
- Skip it if: Science is your weakest subject and lowers your overall average. Focusing on the other three could boost your Composite score.
- Take it if: You are applying to STEM programs (Engineering, Pre-Med, Biology) which may still require or strongly prefer seeing a Science score. Also, some highly competitive colleges may still prefer the 4-section test until new data is available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do colleges accept ACT scores without Science?
Starting in Spring 2025, the ACT will allow students to skip the Science section. Colleges are currently updating their policies, but it is expected that most will accept the new format, similar to how they accepted the SAT when it removed the Essay section.
How is the new ACT Composite score calculated?
If you skip the Science section, your Composite score is the average of your English, Math, and Reading scores, rounded to the nearest whole number.
Will skipping Science lower my score?
It depends on your strengths. If Science is your lowest scoring section, skipping it will likely increase your Composite. If Science is your best section, skipping it could lower your overall score.
Compare with SAT
Without the Science section, the ACT structure is very similar to the SAT. You can use the concordance tool below to see how your "No Science" ACT score compares to an SAT score.