The ACT has changed! And, one of its most notable changes was to make the Science section optional. The big question that keeps cropping up is Should my student register or take the Science section of the ACT now that it is optional?
Below is a clear breakdown of the “what,” “why,” and “what to do next” so you can support your student with confidence.
🎙️Listen to these conversations on Game Plan For The Enhanced ACT and A Test Taker's Perspective On The Enhanced ACT on the Tests and the Rest podcast.
📊 1. What has changed with the ACT Science section?
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Beginning with the September 2025 ACT test, the redesigned “Enhanced ACT” allows the Science section to be optional — and the Composite score will be an average of only English, Math, and Reading (EMR score).
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Science is optional on both the paper and digital versions of the test.
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As of now, less than 5% of colleges have said they will simply ‘not consider’ the Science section. Meanwhile, nearly 30% of colleges have said they will require or strongly recommend it, especially for STEM majors.
🎯2. Why this matters for your student
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Even though the test maker says the Science section is optional, your student’s colleges may not treat it that way. Some colleges still expect it, especially for STEM or competitive scholarship applicants.
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If your student skips the Science section and later applies to a school that does expect it, they may need to retest, which means added time, stress, and cost.
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The Science section may not raise the composite score if it’s significantly lower than the other three sections, but having a good Science score can only help when the college expects or uses it.
🔍 3. So… should your student take it? (Short-answer: Yes)
Here’s a decision-matrix you can use to decide:
| Scenario | Recommendation | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Student is applying to STEM, engineering, or competitive merit-aid programs | Yes, definitely | Many of these programs still expect the full ACT (including Science) or count the section. |
| Student applies broadly & mainly to colleges with flexible testing policies | Still yes (at least once) | You’re covering all bases. |
| Student is applying only to test-optional colleges or less selective schools | No | Who needs the stress? |
🧠 4. Tips for making it work
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Include the Science section on at least one test date. Aim to take a full ACT (English/Math/Reading/Science) once.
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Prep it smart. You don’t need a weighty science textbook — what matters is timing, interpreting charts/graphs, experiment-reading skills (data tables, hypotheses, controls). Just be familiar and comfortable.
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Check each college’s policy. Use resources or websites (www.edisonprep.com/is-science-optional/) to look up whether your student’s colleges require or recommend the Science section.
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Monitor test format. If your student takes the digital version, make sure they are comfortable with the interface. The paper format tends to be easier to navigate the section because you can mark up and label the graphs, charts, tables, and questions.
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Focus on strong scores in English, Math & Reading—since these will determine the composite under the new format.
👉 5. Final Takeaways
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The Science section of the ACT is now optional in one sense (for the test maker), but many colleges haven’t dropped it from their admissions or scholarship considerations.
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For your student, skipping it entirely is a risk unless you are confident about every college’s stance.
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Taking the full ACT (with Science) at least once is a smart precaution.
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Preparation should include the Science section — not as the main focus necessarily, but as part of a balanced strategy.
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As always, the best approach is proactive: schedule a full-length practice test, review individual section results (including Science), and align with your student’s college list and goals.
If you’d like help tailoring this for your specific student — for example, comparing their potential college list’s ACT policies, deciding which test date to register for, or integrating this into your broader test-prep timeline — Seeley Test Pros/LEAP is happy to support that.
🙋 Questions? We’re Here to Help!
📞 Cleveland: 216-965-5162
📞 Cincinnati: 513-754-2240
📧 Email us at info@leaprogram.com
📝 For an individualized test plan for your student, complete the ACT/SAT Planning Request Form.