If you're at a public school in Hawaii, you're already taking the ACT — the state requires it for all juniors and covers the cost. The test also changed significantly in 2025: it's shorter, Science is optional, and the remaining questions are harder than they used to be.
Here's what's on the enhanced ACT and how to prep for it.
What Changed in 2025
- Science is optional. Composite = English + Math + Reading only.
- Fewer questions, more time each. 131 core questions (was 215). ~22% more time per question.
- Remaining questions are harder. Many easy items were removed.
- Math: 4 answer choices instead of 5.
- Digital or paper — your choice. Not adaptive (everyone sees the same questions).
The content is the same — grammar, algebra, reading comprehension. The format and pacing changed.
What's on the Test
Passage-based editing — fix grammar, improve organization, refine style. Three domains, now weighted roughly equally:
Key shift: Production of Writing now matters as much as grammar. Memorizing comma rules alone won't cut it. Also: 10 of the 50 questions are unscored field-test items mixed in — you can't tell which, so answer everything.
Pre-algebra through trig. Questions go easy → hard. All multiple choice, 4 options each.
Two things the SAT gives you that the ACT doesn't
No formula sheet — memorize area, volume, slope, quadratic, and trig formulas. No Desmos — the digital ACT has a basic on-screen calculator, or bring your own.
Four passages, 9 questions each. Full-length excerpts — longer than SAT passages.
The one section where time actually increased — 40 min vs. the old 35, with fewer questions. ~66 sec each, up from 53.
Should You Take the Optional Science Section?
40 questions, 40 minutes. Interpret graphs, data tables, and experiments — not science content from memory. Doesn't affect your composite.
Take it if
Applying to STEM programs, schools that recommend it (Georgetown, Duke, military academies), or Science is a strength you want on your report.
Skip it if
None of your target schools require it. Saves 40 minutes and mental energy for the three sections that drive your composite.
What Catches Students Off Guard
No Formula Sheet
The SAT gives you one. The ACT doesn't. Memorize area, volume, slope, quadratic, SOH-CAH-TOA.
Fewer Questions ≠ Easier
Easy items were cut. What's left trends harder, and each wrong answer hurts more.
Hidden Field-Test Questions
~10 English, ~5 Math, and some Reading questions are unscored experimentals mixed in. You can't tell which.
English ≠ Just Grammar
Production of Writing (organization, transitions, argument) now matters as much as punctuation rules.
How to Study
If you've taken the school-day ACT, you already have a real baseline — use it instead of starting from scratch.
Already have an ACT score? In a free introductory session, I'll look at your section breakdown and help you build a plan around what'll move your composite the most.
Free Resources
The ACT has fewer free official resources than the SAT's Bluebook (which has seven full practice tests). But there are solid options:
Four practice tests built for the enhanced format. The closest thing to the real test. Available as a book or through your school library.
Practice questions, video lessons, and study plan builder. Sign up at academy.act.org.
One free digital practice test in the enhanced format at act.org.
Adapting old practice tests
Use the first 50 English questions (35 min), first 45 Math questions (50 min, cover the 5th answer choice), and all Reading questions (40 min). Same content, adjusted pacing.
Taking the ACT on Oahu
The Short Version
The ACT changed — study the new version
Science is optional, composite is three sections, remaining questions are harder. Don't use pre-2025 materials without adjusting.
Use your school-day score as a starting point
Find the section dragging your composite down and focus your prep there.
Memorize what the test won't give you
No formula sheet, no Desmos. Math formulas and grammar rules need to be in your head before test day.
Consider whether the SAT might suit you better
Take a practice SAT and compare percentiles. Colleges accept both equally. See the ACT vs. SAT comparison.
