ACT Composite Score Changes Prompt Re-evaluation of College Admissions Testing Strategy

What Happened

The ACT has officially removed the science section from its Composite score calculation. As of September 2025, the final score is derived exclusively from English, mathematics, and reading performance.

This structural shift significantly changes the profile of the ideal ACT candidate. Students who previously relied on science scores to boost their overall result, or those who struggled with the science portion, may now find their competitive standing altered.

In response to these changes, test preparation services are advising families to reassess their testing plans. A diagnostic evaluation comparing current ACT performance against SAT benchmarks is recommended to determine which exam better aligns with a student's strengths under the new scoring model.

The Core Points

ACT Composite scores now exclude the science section.
The change affects all paper tests taken since September 2025.
New scoring impacts students who previously used science to offset weaker sections.
Experts recommend updated diagnostic testing to compare SAT versus ACT viability.
Pacing and question logic remain critical variables in test selection.

Context in 60 Seconds

Standardized testing remains a high-stakes component of the university admissions process, but the exams themselves are undergoing technical refinements to stay relevant. By decoupling science from the Composite score, the ACT is effectively changing how institutional data reflects a student's academic capability.

This trend highlights the ongoing friction between testing formats and student performance. As scoring algorithms evolve, families must navigate a shifting landscape where past preparation strategies may no longer yield the same results, reinforcing the need for data-driven, individualized assessment.

Bottom Line

The removal of science from the ACT Composite score necessitates a fresh comparison between the ACT and SAT to ensure students are choosing the test that maximizes their potential score.

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