ACT Science is Now Optional – Here’s Why You Should Probably Take it Anyway
The fourth ACT test section becomes optional in the “enhanced” ACT this fall, yet there’s still value in taking it for scholarships and admissions. Learn why our expert ACT science tutor prep believes you should tackle this pivotal section.
One of the biggest changes in the new Enhanced ACT, launching in September 2025, is that the Science section will become optional. Just as they did with the Writing section in 2005, ACT is moving to provide more flexibility: students can now choose whether to include Science, Writing, both, or neither. The core composite score will be calculated using only English, Math, and Reading (also known as the EMR score). Science will still be scored on the standard 1–36 scale, but it will appear as a standalone number, not included in the composite.
So, for instance, a student who scores 29 in English, 30 in Math, 31 in Reading, and 32 in Science would currently receive a composite score of 31. This is calculated by averaging the four section scores and rounding up or down if the average is not a whole number. In this case, the average of 30.5 would be rounded up to 31. Beginning in September, the same performance would result in a composite score of 30, plus a standalone Science score of 32.
If it doesn’t count toward your composite, should you skip it? In our view, probably not.
Why ACT Writing Doesn’t Matter – But Science Does
Unlike ACT Science, the Writing section is almost entirely irrelevant to college admissions. A small number of universities might use it to waive an introductory writing course, but few (if any) weigh it in the decision process. Preparing for Writing is time-consuming and adds little value to an application, so we confidently advise students to skip it.
But the Science section is different. Despite the ACT’s reclassification, a strong Science score still carries weight in admissions and scholarships. Based on early data from university surveys and outreach, it’s clear that many colleges will continue to use—or even prioritize—this section when reviewing applicants.
What Colleges Are Saying About the Science Section
Will ACT Science scores be required for Fall 2026 admission?
Of the 223 universities surveyed so far, fewer than 5% indicated that they would ignore the Science section. In contrast, nearly 30% stated that it would be required or strongly recommended. Some, like Yale and Dartmouth, now specify that students submitting ACT scores must send all four sections. Northeastern, among others, will manually calculate a full composite using all four scores—including Science.
Several STEM-focused schools have expressed strong preferences for seeing Science results, especially for applicants to technical majors. Carnegie Mellon, while not yet finalizing a policy, said it expects to see Science scores from STEM applicants. Oklahoma State and Gonzaga both recommended that students include Science to “cover all bases,” since institutional policies – and a student’s own college list – can shift over time.
A clear trend is emerging: even schools that are still deciding are leaning toward including Science in some capacity. Given that many schools use software like Slate to superscore or parse data, and most allow self-reported scores, the infrastructure is already in place to use Science as a valuable data point—regardless of how ACT frames it.
What If You Don’t Include It?
At first glance, skipping Science might seem like a smart way to streamline your test day. But for most students, that shortcut is meretricious. Students who omit the section now may find themselves scrambling to re-test later if a college updates its requirements, or if their own application strategy shifts. Jumping back into ACT prep after months away, and amidst a busy school calendar, is much harder than preparing for the Science test the first time around.
And this is not just about admissions. Some schools use ACT Science scores to determine merit-based scholarships. Others use it for honors program placement or course registration. Leaving it out could mean leaving money—or opportunities—on the table.
Our Recommendation
If you're taking the ACT, take the Science section.
It may not be included in your composite score, but it’s still very much a part of your admissions portfolio. It signals strength in scientific reasoning, preparation for STEM coursework, and a willingness to rise to the challenge. For students applying to a range of schools—or simply keeping options open—it’s a low-cost insurance policy against future headaches.
The one exception to our recommendation would be a student who fits the following profile:
they intend to focus their undergraduate studies on the humanities;
none of their target schools explicitly require or recommend an ACT Science score;
and their performance in practice tests indicates that their Science score would be notably lower than their composite EMR score.
You only get so many chances to take the ACT while your skills are sharp. Don’t miss the chance to make that extra section count.
Need help navigating the new Enhanced ACT?
Whether you’re trying to decide between the ACT and SAT, or whether it makes sense for you to take the ACT Science section, our experienced tutors can help. Schedule a free consultation to explore your options and get personalized support.
