What Changed With ACT Science?
Ever since the ACT transitioned to a new “Enhanced” format, its ACT Science section has become optional. The ACT Composite now averages the English, Math, and Reading scores, dropping Science from that important overall score. Despite not being required, the Science section is a recommended addition to many students’ college admissions testing. Let’s take a look at why you may (or may not) choose to take the ACT Science section.
Why ACT Science Requirements Are So Confusing
Whenever tests change, college admission policies take a while to decide how to adapt. For the most part, colleges will prioritize test scores that help judge students’ preparedness. Retention and graduation rates are critically important, and data like ACT scores can offer useful benchmarks to ensure students succeed. Is the ACT Science section useful for these judgments? At this point, many colleges are unsure. Some want to gather more data before they make a decision on whether ACT Science scores should be required, some want to stick with requiring Science scores because that feels more familiar, and some are waiting to see what other schools will decide.
Some colleges still want to see a Science score
As soon as the ACT Science section became optional, a few schools quickly declared that they would require applicants to submit Science scores. These colleges include Boston University, Georgetown University, and the U.S. Naval and Air Force Academies (note that this is not a comprehensive list, and the requirements to these schools may change, so check their application pages to be sure!). For these schools, the inclusion of Science scores allows them to more easily compare the data from current applicants to past students’.
Some colleges treat Science as optional or supplemental
At schools where science knowledge is particularly valued, ACT Science scores may be valuable additions to an application. Schools such as Duke and Johns Hopkins don’t require an ACT Science score but recommend it (again, note these policies may change at any time!). For these schools, you shouldn’t dismiss ACT Science simply because it’s technically unnecessary. Instead, consider the Science score the same way you would consider “Extracurricular Activities” on an application: absolutely necessary, even if the school claims it’s “optional.”
Some colleges’ policies are still catching up to the new ACT
Many college admission offices prefer to be patient. Rather than rushing to adapt to the changes in tests like the ACT, these schools delay their reaction while they gather data (sometimes taking up to 5 years to make a decision!). We have seen this behavior in relation to the numbers of recommended AP exams and with test-optional policies.
How to Find Out Whether Your Colleges Require ACT Science
Rather than trusting a quick search or old resource, you should always check with each of your goal schools directly to determine their application policies. Whether with an email of a phone call, take the time to communicate with an admissions officer so you’re absolutely certain what these schools require and prefer.
Check each college’s testing policy page
Usually, you will be able to easily find school’s test score policies on their website. Look for info about freshman applications or first-year admissions, and then look for details about standardized testing. Sometimes, these websites are outdated, so you should always confirm information directly with admissions offices.
Contact admissions to clarify and confirm policies
If a school’s policies seem unclear, you should call or message the admissions office directly. This is also a good idea when policies do seem clear, as schools’ policies change often. Never rely on general search results or AI for college policy details; these resources often include old or erroneous information!
Should You Take ACT Science?
Among the many decisions involved in your college application, the choice whether to take ACT Science shouldn’t be challenging. First, if you are focused on the ACT, check if any of your goal schools or intended majors require or recommend submitting Science scores. Otherwise, if you are focused on a STEM degree, consider if you have the time to study for an additional ACT section (your time might be better spent on APs or extracurriculars). If your answer to any of these considerations is a yes, then you should consider the ACT Science section as a requirement for your college application.
Take Science if your college list is broad or undecided
If you are unsure of where you’re applying, don’t risk having an incomplete application. Take the ACT with Science at least one time to ensure you don’t end up with a gap in your application requirements.
Take Science if even one target school requires or recommends it
Not many schools are requiring ACT Science, but if even just one of the schools on your list recommends Science, you need to give it your best effort. A solid Science score may be a necessary component of one school’s application, and it can also offer a small boost when applying to other schools that don’t require Science but still consider it among your merits.
Consider skipping Science only if your list is clear and your testing plan is focused
If your college list is finalized, none of the schools require or recommend Science, and there isn’t a lot of time for those schools to change their policies, you can confidently skip the Science section and focus on the other parts of the ACT: English, Math, and Reading.
How ACT Science Fits Into SAT vs. ACT Test Choice
With its own unique strategies and required knowledge, the ACT Science section requires significant prep time. Students often see especially strong Science score improvements after prepping, but it may be a challenge to fit the extra studying into a busy schedule.
Note that any school requiring or suggesting the inclusion of ACT Science will also accept the SAT with no additional scores. If you don’t have a strong preference for which test to take, and if your goal schools require or recommend ACT Science, you may simplify your test prep by choosing the SAT instead, as it has fewer topics to study.
The Bottom Line on ACT Science
When you apply to schools, you’ll notice a lot of optional fields for your academic and personal achievements. It may not be mandatory to list any information for AP scores or extracurricular activities, but such additions make your application much more competitive. Similarly, when you submit ACT scores to schools, the ACT Science section can make your application even stronger, even if it’s not required. It’s a good idea to fill every box!
As the world of college admissions is constantly changing, it’s challenging to stay informed and avoid outdated information. If you want answers to specific questions, clarification, or some help with creating a plan that suits all of your specific needs, reach out to our experts. We can provide the resources and assistance you need to make the most of your potential.
For individualized advice, please contact one of our Program Directors or give us a call at (866)-789-PREP.
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