The ACT Science Shake-Up

Starting in 2025, the ACT Science section is optional. That means students taking the test digitally (April 2025 and beyond) or on paper (from September 2025) can opt out. At first glance, this seems like a win: one less section to prep for, right?

Unfortunately, it’s a bit more complicated. While the ACT is changing, elite colleges—especially Ivy Leagues—remain in a gray area.

The Official Word on Submitting Science

As of August, 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.

Penn’s policy explicitly states that Science is not required: “the Science section is not required for students who choose to submit the ACT.” Additionally, Penn superscores ACT results using only English, Math, and Reading. Science is notably excluded from their calculation.

Should You Take the ACT Science?

The decision to opt into the ACT Science thus falls on a student's unique strengths and weaknesses. An important factor to consider: the ACT Science doesn't test how well you memorized chemistry terms or physics formulas. It tests data interpretation: charts, graphs, experimental logic.

Thus, students aiming for top schools in 2025 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 composite.

• If you're pre-med or STEM-bound, it showcases the analytical skills top colleges look for. Even humanities-focused applicants demonstrate versatility by including Science.

Who Should (And Shouldn't) Opt-In

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.