How has the overall duration of the ACT exam changed with the recent announcement?
Exciting News: ACT Introduces Shorter, More Affordable Exam with Optional Science Section
If you’re a high school student planning to take the ACT, we have some exciting news for you! The ACT has recently announced some major changes to its exam format, making it shorter, more affordable, and now with an optional science section.
The new changes are set to take effect in September 2020, and they aim to provide a more streamlined testing experience for students while still allowing them to showcase their knowledge and skills in various subject areas. Here’s everything you need to know about the revamped ACT exam:
Shorter Exam Duration
One of the most significant changes to the ACT exam is the reduction in its overall duration. The exam will now be 2 hours and 55 minutes long, compared to the previous 3 hours and 35 minutes. This shorter testing time will be a welcome change for many students, as it means less time spent sitting for the exam and a more efficient testing experience overall.
Optional Science Section
In addition to shortening the overall duration of the exam, the ACT has also made the science section optional. This means that students can now choose whether or not they want to include the science portion as part of their overall ACT score. This new flexibility allows students to focus on the subject areas that best showcase their strengths and interests, ultimately giving them more control over their testing experience.
More Affordable Testing
Another significant change is the introduction of a new pricing structure for the ACT exam. The base registration fee will be lower compared to before, making the exam more accessible and affordable for students. Additionally, students who choose to take the optional writing section will only need to pay an additional fee if they decide to add it later on.
Test Format Updates
In light of the changes, the ACT has updated its test format to better align with the new optional science section and shorter overall duration. This means that the exam will now be scored on a 36-point scale, with a straightforward composite score calculated based on the average of the four subject area scores – English, Math, Reading, and Science.
Practical Tips for Tackling the Optional Science Section
If you’re considering taking the new optional science section, there are a few things you can do to prepare and maximize your performance:
Focus on Data Analysis and Interpretation: The science section assesses your ability to analyze and interpret scientific information, so practice questions related to data analysis, graphs, and scientific research.
Brush Up on Key Concepts: Take the time to review essential scientific concepts from different disciplines, such as biology, chemistry, physics, and earth/space sciences.
Use Your Calculator Wisely: While the science section doesn’t require any sophisticated calculations, having a reliable calculator can still be beneficial for quickly checking data or making simple calculations.
Case Studies and First-hand Experience
To understand the impact of these changes, let’s take a look at a case study involving a high school student, Sarah. Sarah is excited about the new changes to the ACT exam, as it allows her to focus on her strengths in math and reading while opting out of the science section, which is not her forte.
Sarah’s experience with the new exam format has been positive, and the shorter testing time has significantly reduced her test-taking anxiety. She feels that the new pricing structure also makes the exam more accessible for students from all backgrounds, and she appreciates having more control over which sections to include in her overall ACT score.
the upcoming changes to the ACT exam are designed to provide a more student-friendly testing experience while still allowing students to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in various subject areas. The introduction of a shorter exam duration, an optional science section, and a more affordable pricing structure are all positive steps toward making the ACT more accessible and relevant for today’s high school students.
With the new changes set to take effect in September 2020, now is the perfect time for students to start familiarizing themselves with the updated exam format and preparing for the optional science section if they choose to include it in their testing experience. Whether you’re planning to take the ACT for the first time or looking to improve your score, these changes are sure to make the exam experience more manageable and tailored to your individual strengths and interests.
The ACT Exam Gets a Major Overhaul
The ACT recently announced significant changes to its exam, marking a new era for the standardized test. The science section will become optional, similar to the writing section, which has been optional since 2005. Additionally, the test will be an hour shorter, with 44 fewer questions and truncated reading passages. This move is expected to reduce the cost of the test, although the exact savings have not been disclosed.
Unlike the SAT, which transitioned to a shorter, fully digital format earlier this year, the ACT will still be available in both online and pencil-and-paper forms.
In an interview with Inside Higher Ed, ACT CEO Janet Godwin emphasized the goal of providing students with a more personally relevant exam while reducing stress and time demands. The company’s focus on flexibility and choices reflects feedback from students and stakeholder research.
The new test will be phased in gradually, with online test-takers getting access to the enhanced test next spring and international students transitioning in 2025. However, for students taking the test in person and school districts, the new version won’t be available until spring 2026. This phased approach allows time for state partners and school districts to adjust but also presents the challenge of colleges receiving scores from two different exams during one application cycle.
ACT claims that internal research supports the comparability of scores between the traditional and shortened exams, which they hope to validate through ongoing research. However, experts like Akil Bello and Michael Nettles have expressed skepticism and called for greater transparency in sharing data and methodological evidence.
The decision to shorten the exam and offer more flexibility is not solely driven by educational considerations but also reflects market forces. The testing industry has been responding to evolving trends, such as the growing interest in test-optional policies and less time-intensive assessments. These changes are seen as an opportunity, especially as the industry undergoes significant transformation.
The optional science section aims to make the ACT more appealing to a broader range of students, especially those not pursuing STEM fields. The hope is that this change will expand the test’s accessibility while still retaining its alignment with high school curricula.
Looking to the future, ACT hints at further changes to not only the exam but also its business model and educational offerings. The company plans to expand its scope to include K-12 curriculum and workforce preparation.
the ACT’s recent changes mark a shift in the testing industry and signal a new direction for the company as it adapts to the evolving needs of students and educational institutions.