Should You Take the ACT Science Section? Here’s How to Decide
ACT Science Section in 2025: Should You Take It?
The ACT Science section is now optional, but it can still impact scholarships, selective programs, and STEM admissions. Here’s how to decide if it’s right for you.
The ACT is implementing several test enhancements that will become available to test-takers in 2025, beginning with digital tests in April and paper tests in September. One element that will be affected is the Science section: it will now be optional. In light of this change, who should take the ACT Science section?
Updated ACT Format: Science
Formerly part of the core test, along with English, Reading, and Math, students can now opt in or out of taking the Science section. With the updated ACT, a composite score will be calculated based on those three core sections, and a separate STEM score will be issued to students who opt to take the Science section. This updated Science section will present students with 40 questions in 40 minutes, allowing roughly one minute per question. Previously, students had just 35 minutes to answer 40 questions.
What Does the ACT Science Section Cover?
Before you decide whether you’ll sign up for the optional ACT Science section, it’s essential to understand what this part of the test covers. The ACT Science section assesses both knowledge of scientific content and ability to use scientific skills. The test draws on knowledge bases from the following scientific disciplines: chemistry, physics, biology, and Earth science. Skills that students are tasked with using on the test include data analysis, problem-solving, experimental design, and interpretation of findings.
To Take or Not to Take: Key Factors to Consider
When considering which version of the ACT to take, you should think about your individual situation, including details such as your academic interests and future plans. The version of the test that’s right for you could be different from the version that’s best for your friends. Essential factors to take into account include:
Intended Major
Subject Knowledge and Reasoning Skills
Application Requirements
Testing Experience
Intended Major
When it comes to choosing whether or not to take the ACT Science section, one of the most important determining factors is your prospective major. If you’re looking at degrees in science-specific fields such as biology, chemistry, neuroscience, or physics, a strong score on the Science section can help you stand out to colleges. The Science section can also be a good choice if you’re interested in other STEM majors or degree programs that will include science courses, such as engineering, psychology, computer science, or applied mathematics.
Subject Knowledge and Reasoning Skills
If you’re unsure about the major or degree program you’re interested in pursuing, you might still want to consider taking the ACT Science section. If you did well in your science courses in high school, you can use this optional section as an opportunity to show off your subject knowledge in this area. Additionally, taking the Science section allows you to demonstrate an understanding of scientific reasoning in practice. This section tasks you with analyzing information and data to form hypotheses and draw conclusions, skills that are applicable to more than just science courses. If these skills are your strong suit, you can impress colleges and show them that you can succeed in just about any major.
Application Requirements
When deciding whether to take any kind of entrance exam, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the application requirements of the schools and programs you will be applying to. While some colleges are test-optional, there are still many that require certain test scores. Even if a program doesn’t require test scores, putting in the work to study and do well on a standardized test can work in your favor. You can choose to submit a score that highlights a specific knowledge base or skill set.
Look at the specific requirements of the majors and degree programs you’re interested in at each school you’re applying to. This will give you a better understanding of what admissions officers are looking for, and whether or not an ACT Science score would be advantageous for your future plans.
Testing Experience
The updated ACT aims to provide students with a more flexible, customizable testing experience. At the end of the day, you should take the version of the ACT you feel most comfortable with. Entrance exams like the SAT and ACT are designed to give colleges a picture of your skills in key subject areas and forecast future academic success. You should give yourself the best chance to make a great first impression in your college applications by customizing the ACT with this in mind.
If you prefer a shorter testing experience and don’t expect to study science in college, you can choose to skip the Science section. If you have taken three years of AP science courses and want to major in physics or biochemistry, you can take the Science section and have a strong STEM score to include in your college applications. The test can also be customized to your other interests. For example, if you’re focusing on humanities programs, you can take the optional Writing section. If you’re looking at programs that will require both science and writing skills, you can take both the Science and Writing sections. When selecting entrance exams, your goal should be to take the versions and formats that align with your interests, highlight your skills, and set you up for future success.
Final Takeaways
The updated ACT Science section is best for students with strong science skills or those pursuing STEM majors, since it can highlight analytical reasoning and bolster applications to selective programs. For others, skipping it keeps the test shorter without hurting their composite score. At Ivy Bound, we're committed to helping students navigate these updates and their path with confidence.
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