Do Ivy Leagues Actually Want the Optional, ACT Science? Copy
A comprehensive overview of act science, covering who benefits most, how it influences your results, and how to make an informed choice.
Daniel Kyong
Founding Partner @ Educo
Should I Take ACT Science? The Shake-Up
Starting in late 2025, the ACT Science section is optional as part of the new, Enhanced ACT. Both Science and Writing are now considered optional sections, which means they no longer influence your composite score and instead exist as an altogether separate score on your report. This also means students taking the test digitally (April 2025 and beyond) or on paper (from September 2025) can opt out of these sections.
While the transition to the new format gives students more flexibility, it also requires careful planning. Unfortunately, it’s a bit more complicated than just a yes or no. While the ACT is changing, many colleges, including Ivy Leagues and specialized programs like BS/MD tracks, have not finalized their policies regarding the optional science section, which is a concern for students. Some specialized programs have even confirmed policies that require the Science section, despite the majority of universities not doing so. As a result, students must decide whether to take the optional science section based on their unique goals and the requirements of their target schools. Test scores from these optional sections may still play a role in admissions decisions for these unique goals.
The Official Word on Submitting Science
As of January 2026, most Ivy League universities (Harvard, Yale, Dartmouth, Brown, and others) have reinstated standardized testing. However, based on official admissions guidelines, no Ivy League school publicly mandates or recommends taking the ACT Science. It’s important to note that many colleges have not yet established a clear stance on whether the optional science section is required or optional, so students should research each college’s policy carefully. As of April 2026, we don't have any information about how many students in this year's admissions cycle submitted Science, though our guess is that number has dropped significantly. Beyond Ivy Leagues, we've seen an uptick in specialized programs and some state schools that still consider test scores from the optional science section as part of their admissions review, which can be a concern for students deciding whether to include Science in their testing strategy. The optional science section may still matter for those applying to STEM programs or highly competitive colleges, as a strong science score can demonstrate scientific reasoning skills and strengthen overall test scores.
Understanding the Science Test
For those submitting an ACT Science score, the great news is, it's not that difficult of an exam. We promise.
The ACT Science consists of 40 questions to be completed in 40 minutes, and it’s designed to assess your ability to interpret scientific data, analyze experiments, and reason through scientific scenarios, NOT assess how well you memorize content from biology, chemistry, and physics. Unlike what many expect, the science test doesn’t require direct memorization of scientific facts, formulas, or terminology at all, at least not for most students. For students aiming for a perfect 36 or anywhere in the range 34-36, it's worth noting that the ACT science includes "outside information" questions that test familiar content such as the pH scale, boiling point of water, the four macromolecules, and more. The key here, though, is that MOST students don't need those scores in the first place, so the majority can achieve 99th percentile Science scores without relying on any outside information.
** We're sorry if we freaked you out. Keep in mind, even the outside information is on a middle-school Science level. We promise you'll be okay, and it's quick to learn!
So, for most students, it makes more sense to focus on their skills in reading comprehension, data analysis, and logical reasoning. Remember, when you take the ACT, your science score is reported separately on a scale of 1-36. Importantly, this science score does NOT affect your composite score, which is calculated as the average of your English, math, and reading sections.
Another consideration to make: with the introduction of the enhanced ACT in 2025, students can choose between the paper version and the new online testing format. The enhanced ACT features a shorter test with fewer questions and more time per question, making it even more important to focus on accuracy and strategy. Whether you opt for the digital or paper test, you’ll have the choice to take the science section or skip it, depending on your strengths and your target schools’ preferences. Also note the interface changes: strategies like notating texts and drawing with a straight-edge no longer work for digital exams.
To prepare for the science section, prioritize building your analytical skills and your ability to interpret graphs, tables, and experimental setups. Practice tests and targeted test prep resources are invaluable for familiarizing yourself with the types of questions you’ll encounter and for improving your performance under timed conditions. Focus on understanding scientific principles and the logic behind experiments, rather than memorizing details from biology, chemistry, or physics.
Should You Take the ACT Science?
Honestly, probably not. However, when considering this question, students must decide whether to include the science section based on their academic goals and the requirements of their target schools. The decision to opt into the ACT Science thus falls on a student’s unique strengths and weaknesses. At Educo, we believe students aiming for top schools in 2025 and beyond should almost always opt in. Here’s why:
It’s often easier than students expect. So long as students are reasonably strong (we’d argue most students are) at identifying patterns in data and logical reasoning, it’s often the easiest section to improve on.
It’s a low-effort way to boost your superscore. Ivy Leagues that superscore will use your highest Science score: even from a separate test day to boost your profile.
The science section can matter even more for students applying to STEM programs, as it showcases the analytical skills top colleges look for. Even humanities-focused applicants demonstrate versatility by including Science.
Ultimately, taking the science section can help students succeed in the admissions process by demonstrating strong scientific reasoning and boosting overall ACT performance.
Who Should (And Shouldn't) Opt-In
Situation | Take ACT Science? |
|---|---|
Strong in data analysis and logical reasoning | Yes |
Looking to maximize composite score (34, 35, 36) | Yes |
Applying to Ivy-League or Top 20 Universities | Yes |
Weak in data interpretation or analytical skills | No |
Not applying to Ivy-League or Top 20 Universities | No |
Figure 1: Summary of what situations would call for a student to opt into the ACT Science.
Final Thoughts
While Ivy League schools haven’t released firm policies, we’re confident they won’t require or specifically recommend the ACT Science section. That said, with its potential to boost your composite score and its low prep barrier, we believe taking ACT Science is the smart move.
At Educo, we help students make these kinds of strategic decisions with clarity, focusing not just on content, but on maximizing score outcomes through targeted, data-driven preparation. If you want a guaranteed way to fast-track your Science score, feel free to reach out and schedule a free consultation at learneduco.com/contact. Good luck!
About Educo
Educo is a New York–based tutoring firm founded by educators from the world’s leading universities. We help families earn top scores, build exceptional applications, and gain admission to the world’s most selective institutions.
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