Changes announced for the ACT

This week, ACT announced some significant changes to their test.

One of the major changes is that the science section will now be optional, giving students the choice to include on their test, similar to the optional writing test. Additionally, the new ACT will be significantly shorter. The core test, consisting of English, reading, and math, will be just 2 hours long and will have 44 fewer questions than the current version. The English and reading sections will feature shorter passages, making the test more streamlined, and students will have more time to answer each question.

Some aspects of the ACT will remain the same. The ACT will continue to be scored on a scale of 1–36, and students will receive a composite score (the average of the English, reading, and math scores) in addition to section scores. The test will still be available in both paper and online formats, and the optional writing section will still be offered.

The new version of the ACT will be introduced in Spring 2025 for students taking the online ACT on standard national test dates. Students taking the ACT during school-day testing will experience the new version in Spring 2026.

TPC will be updating our ACT practice materials to reflect these changes and ensure student's are well-prepared for the new test.

Test Prep Chicago's SAT Programming

Test Prep Chicago will be offering SAT Test Prep Programs beginning this winter. 

The SAT is the most widely used college admissions exam, serving as a tool for colleges and universities to measure a student’s academic ability and college-readiness. The SAT is taken over the course of three hours and consists of two sections: Math and Evidence-Based Reading & Writing. Each section is worth 800 points for a maximum total of 1600 points.

TPC’s SAT programming will include 8-session SAT test prep courses. Our 8-session course reviews both sections of the SAT, as well as key test-taking strategies.

We are also offering 1-day Test Prep Palooza workshops for the SAT. These 6-hour workshops include a full graded practice test and a review of each question on the test (pizza lunch included!).

Finally, we offer in-home individual tutoring to prepare students for college entrance exams. To set up individual tutoring, please email info@testprepchicago.com or call (312) 848-1266.

Anna Jordan, Tutoring Coordinator
anna@testprepchicago.com
(312) 848-1266