Important Note About the Optional Science Section

When registering for the Enhanced ACT, students can choose to take the core sections (English, Math, and Reading) only, or add the optional Science section for an additional cost. If you take the Science section, your score report will include both a separate Science score and a STEM score (which combines your Math and Science performance). The Science section no longer affects your composite score—the composite is now calculated using only English, Math, and Reading scores.

Many colleges do not require the Science section, so check the specific admissions requirements for your target schools before deciding whether to include it.

Test Structure

The Science section typically includes 6-7 passages, each followed by 5-7 questions. These passages fall into three main categories:

Data Representation (30-40% of questions): These passages present scientific information through graphs, tables, charts, and diagrams. You’ll need to read and interpret the data, identify trends, and draw conclusions from visual representations.

Research Summaries (45-55% of questions): These passages describe one or more related experiments, including their design, methods, and results. Questions assess your understanding of experimental procedures, the ability to interpret findings, and how to evaluate experimental design.

Conflicting Viewpoints (15-20% of questions): Usually appearing as one passage, this format presents two or three alternative theories or hypotheses about the same phenomenon. You’ll need to understand each viewpoint, identify similarities and differences, and evaluate which perspective is supported by specific evidence.

Passage Types

The Reading section consistently includes four subject areas:

Literary Narrative/Prose Fiction: Excerpts from novels, short stories, memoirs, or personal essays that showcase narrative storytelling and literary craft.

Social Science: Passages from fields such as history, anthropology, psychology, economics, sociology, or political science that explore human behavior, societies, and cultures.

Humanities: Content related to arts, literature, philosophy, architecture, music, or cultural studies that examines human creativity and expression.

Natural Science: Passages covering topics in biology, chemistry, physics, Earth sciences, or related fields that explain scientific concepts and phenomena.

All passages are drawn from published works and represent the complexity and sophistication expected in college-level reading. The test does not require you to memorize facts or vocabulary outside what’s presented in the passages—everything you need to answer the questions is contained within the reading material itself.

Skills Assessed

The test evaluates your ability to:

• Interpret data from tables, graphs, and diagrams
• Understand experimental design and methodology
• Identify variables, controls, and patterns
• Draw conclusions based on evidence
• Compare and evaluate competing hypotheses
• Apply scientific reasoning to novel situations

Content Areas

Questions draw from biology, chemistry, physics, and Earth/space sciences, but no advanced knowledge is required. The test assumes you have background knowledge comparable to a typical high school science curriculum.

Scoring

The Science section is scored from 1 to 36 and is reported separately on your score report, but does not contribute to your composite ACT score. With 40 minutes for 40 questions, you have approximately 60 seconds per question.

Success Strategies

• Decide strategically whether to take Science: Consider your college requirements and whether STEM programs you’re applying to recommend or require a Science score
• Practice reading graphs and tables quickly: Much of the test involves extracting information from visual data
• Don’t get bogged down in complex terminology: Focus on understanding relationships and patterns rather than technical details
• Refer back to the passages: Questions are passage-based, so the answers are in the provided information
• Manage your time: Consider tackling easier passages first and returning to more complex ones if time permits