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The ACT Science Section: Now Optional

What the ACT Science section actually asks, how it's scored now that it's optional, and a simple way to decide whether to take it.

ACT Science is 40 questions in 40 minutes of data interpretation — reading graphs, tables, research summaries and conflicting viewpoints, not recalling facts. It's now optional: it does not count toward your 1–36 Composite, but is reported on its own 1–36 scale and combines with Math to form a separate STEM score. Take it if your colleges want it or it's a strength.

Start free practiceSee the full structure
School science lab tableau with experimental data, graph paper and evidence-reading tools
40 / 40Questions and minutes — about one per minute.
DataGraphs, tables, summaries, conflicting viewpoints.
OptionalDoesn't count toward the Composite.
STEMAverages with Math into a separate score.
Inside the section

What you'll actually be doing

Science rewards reading data carefully and reasoning from it — almost no outside knowledge is required.

Passage typeWhat it showsWhat you do
Data representationGraphs, tables and figuresRead values, spot trends and relationships
Research summariesDescriptions of one or more experimentsFollow the design; predict and interpret results
Conflicting viewpointsTwo or more competing explanationsCompare the arguments; test them against evidence
Overall40 questions, 40 minutesInterpret, reason — don't memorise
Should you take it?

Three reasons it might be worth it

Science is optional, so treat it as a decision — here's how to make it.

Requirements

A college on your list wants it.

Some programs still ask for or recommend Science. Check each college's testing policy first — if any require it, the decision is made for you, so plan to sit it.

STEM

You're aiming at STEM.

Because Science combines with Math into a STEM score, a strong Science result can help a STEM-focused application stand out — even though it never changes your Composite.

Strength

Reading data is your thing.

If you're quick with charts and trends, Science is a chance to add a strong, separate score. If it isn't a strength and no college needs it, you can focus on the core.

See if data questions click for you.

Try real-format ACT questions — including Science-style data sets — and find out where you stand before you decide.

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How it's reported

Separate, and part of STEM

When you take Science, it's scored on the same 1–36 scale as the core sections, but it's reported on its own — it does not factor into your Composite, which averages only English, Math and Reading. Science does combine with your Math score to produce a separate STEM score, a single 1–36 number that some STEM-focused programs review. So a strong Science result can strengthen the STEM picture of your report without ever moving your headline Composite. Reporting details can change — confirm on act.org.

Science decision checklist

  • Check whether any target college requires or recommends it.
  • Aiming at STEM? A strong Science score helps the STEM number.
  • Quick with graphs and tables? It can be an easy add.
  • Remember: it never changes your 1–36 Composite.
  • Practise data questions before you commit to taking it.
FAQ

ACT Science questions

Is the ACT Science section required?
No. In the current ACT, Science is optional. It is reported as a separate 1–36 score and does not count toward your Composite, which averages English, Math and Reading only. Take it if your colleges want it or it is a strength.
What does the ACT Science section test?
It tests data interpretation and scientific reasoning rather than memorised facts. You read graphs, tables and research summaries, and compare conflicting viewpoints, then answer questions about trends, experimental design and which conclusions the data support.
How long is the ACT Science section?
The Science section is 40 questions in 40 minutes — about one minute per question. Like the core sections it is multiple choice and, when taken, is scored on the same 1–36 scale.
Does ACT Science count toward the Composite?
No. Science is reported on its own 1–36 scale and does not affect your Composite. It does combine with your Math score to form a separate STEM score, which some STEM-focused programs consider.
Should I take the optional ACT Science section?
Take it if any college on your list asks for it, if you're applying to STEM programs, or if reading data quickly is a strength you want to show. If none of your colleges require it and it isn't a strength, you can focus on the core. Always confirm each college's policy.
Related

Keep learning the ACT.

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Decide on Science. Then see where you stand.

Start free, answer a few real-format ACT questions, and get a practice estimate toward your target Composite.

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