Is the ACT Science section really optional?
If you’ve taken the ACT this year or are planning on taking it soon, you’re probably aware that the ACT Science section is now optional. Removing the ACT Science requirement marks a significant update to the exam, along with other changes, such as a reduced number of questions and the introduction of an online test format.
With the ACT Science section no longer required, many students and parents are wondering about how this change impacts undergraduate applications. As colleges adjust their admissions criteria, understanding whether a science score is still expected, especially for aspiring STEM majors, has become increasingly important. Below, we’ll clarify what the new ACT Science optional policy means and what students should consider as they prepare for the updated exam.
What does “optional” actually mean?
Starting in 2025, students taking the ACT can now select whether to include the ACT Science section, offering a new level of flexibility that was not previously available. This section will be treated much like the optional Writing section seen on the ACT and other standardized tests, giving test-takers greater choice.
Despite the fact that the Science section is no longer a core section of the ACT, colleges and universities may still factor the presence or absence of this section into their admission decisions. Although students have the authority to exclude the ACT Science, institutions determine whether they will require, recommend, or consider these scores as part of their application review process. It’s wise to check specific admissions policies before registering.
In short, even though you now have the choice of taking the ACT with Science or without, certain schools may still expect or strongly prefer to see Science results included in your ACT score report.
How is the ACT Science section scored?
The ACT Science section is scored on a scale between 1 and 36, similar to how the three main sections of the test (English, Reading, and Math) are scored. Unlike the core sections of the ACT, however, the Science section is scored separately and not averaged into the final ACT Composite score.
Below is an ACT Science score chart with corresponding ACT score percentiles. In some cases, higher scores on the Science section translate to higher percentile rankings compared to total scores: a score of 26 on the ACT Science is in the 88th percentile, while a composite score of 26 lands a student in the 86th percentile. A high score on this section can be a great asset to your ACT scores, regardless of whether the schools you’re applying to require ACT Science.
| ACT score range | ACT Science percentile | ACT Composite percentile |
|---|---|---|
| 36 | 100 | 100 |
| 31 - 35 | 96 - 99 | 96 - 99 |
| 26 - 30 | 88 - 94 | 86 - 94 |
| 21 - 25 | 64 - 85 | 66 - 83 |
| 16 - 20 | 32 - 58 | 37 - 61 |
| 11 - 15 | 6 - 26 | 3 - 30 |
| 6 - 10 | 1 - 3 | 1 - 1 |
| 1 - 5 | 1 - 1 | 1 - 1 |
Which colleges will still take the ACT Science section into account?
Some institutions, particularly those with strong STEM programs, are more inclined to consider a completed ACT Science section as a valuable asset in your application. Although the Science section isn’t mandatory, many colleges recommend it or take it into account in admissions decisions, especially if you’re seeking to major in biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, computer science, or pre-med. Including the ACT Science section can demonstrate your readiness for rigorous coursework in science and technology-related fields.
Conversely, liberal arts colleges and universities with test-optional policies generally place less emphasis on individual ACT section scores. For these institutions, not submitting an ACT Science score is unlikely to affect your chances, particularly if you plan to major in the arts, humanities, or social sciences. In these cases, focusing on creative and analytical strengths may outweigh the absence of a Science score on the ACT exam.
It’s important to note that many colleges are actively updating their admissions policies in response to changes to the ACT exam, so there currently isn’t a definitive list of which schools require or do not require the ACT Science section. Still, the emerging pattern shows that most institutions either recommend the Science section or consider it optional overall. To stay informed about whether a certain major or college values the Science score, you should regularly check with college admissions offices and consult your school counselor for the latest updates.
Should you still take the ACT Science section?
Well, it really depends on what you want to study in college and your desired career path. If you want to pursue a major related to STEM or medicine, a good Science score will definitely help you stand out in your application. It demonstrates your scientific reasoning skills, your ability to interpret data, and your readiness to tackle challenging coursework. These are skills that admissions officers will definitely want to see for a highly technical major. Skipping the Science section may raise some questions if you’re applying for a program with any of these majors.
On the other hand, if you intend to major in a non-STEM field or you are applying to schools that are less ACT-focused, skipping the Science section may be a reasonable move. If your strengths lie more in English and math, and you’re confident that those scores will shine, focusing your prep there may yield better results. Test length and your ability to concentrate during long exams are also factors to consider: the Science section adds an extra 40 minutes to the 125-minute exam time on the ACT.
Conclusion: ACT with Science or without?
While the ACT Science section is now optional, its importance should not be underestimated. While some students may choose to take the ACT without Science, the ACT Science section can be a valuable asset, particularly for those applying to competitive colleges or pursuing science-related majors. Demonstrating strong skills in ACT Science highlights your academic readiness and analytical abilities, which can set you apart in STEM or pre-med applications. For others, opting for the ACT without Science might be a strategic choice, allowing more time to focus on other sections such as Math and English, depending on individual strengths and college requirements.
If you’re uncertain about whether to take the ACT with Science or without, or have questions about how the ACT Science optional policy affects your application, consider using platforms like Achievable. Achievable provides personalized ACT study programs to help you prepare efficiently, whether you’re tackling ACT Science, focusing on Math, or aiming to maximize your English score. If you’re debating whether you should take the ACT Writing section, be sure to read our article on what to consider. Choosing the right combination can help you present your strongest application.
