Understanding the ACT Science Syllabus

Important Update: Starting April 2025 for test-takers in the USA and September 2025 for international test-takers, the ACT will undergo significant changes. The new enhanced ACT will have only three mandatory sections: English, Math, and Reading. The ACT Science section, which was previously a core component of the ACT, will become optional.

Breaking Down the ACT Science Section #

Many students approach the ACT Science section with trepidation, assuming they need extensive scientific knowledge to perform well. The good news? This isn’t the case! The ACT Science section doesn’t quiz you on scientific definitions, formulas, or advanced concepts you might not have learned yet.

That said, success in this section does require foundational scientific knowledge typically acquired during high school. Your ability to analyze data, understand experimental design, and evaluate scientific models becomes the true focus of this section.

Wizako’s Live Online Classes for SAT and ACT recognize these nuances and prepare students accordingly. Our tutors, who include US Top 20 MBA and IIM Graduates, ensure students develop the critical thinking skills necessary for excelling in the Science section through interactive online sessions that provide personal attention and result-oriented strategies.

ACT Science Syllabus: The Three Question Categories in ACT Science #

The ACT Science section organizes questions into three distinct categories, each testing different analytical skills:

1. Interpretation of Data (40-50% of Questions) #

This category forms the largest portion of the section. You’ll encounter scientific data presented in various formats:

• Tables
• Charts
• Graphs

Your task involves:

• Identifying trends in the data
• Translating information between different formats
• Interpolating and extrapolating from existing data points

Sample Question:

Based on the data in Figure 1, which of the following best represents the relationship between temperature and reaction rate?

A) As temperature increases, reaction rate decreases linearly
B) As temperature increases, reaction rate increases exponentially
C) As temperature increases, reaction rate remains constant
D) As temperature increases, reaction rate increases until 50°C, then decreases

2. Scientific Investigation (20-30% of Questions) #

These questions assess your understanding of:

• Experimental tools and their applications
• Scientific procedures and methodologies
• Design elements of scientific investigations

You might need to:

• Analyze experimental setups
• Evaluate procedure modifications
• Predict outcomes of additional experimental trials

Sample Question:

In Experiment 2, the researchers wanted to determine the effect of light intensity on plant growth. What change to the experimental design would best isolate this variable?

A) Use different plant species in each trial
B) Maintain identical soil composition across all trials
C) Vary the amount of water given to each plant
D) Change the temperature for each light intensity level

3. Evaluation of Models, Inferences, and Results (25-35% of Questions) #

This category tests your ability to:

• Assess scientific models for validity
• Evaluate inferences drawn from experimental data
• Analyze how new findings support or contradict existing theories

Sample Question:

Scientists proposed three models (1, 2, and 3) to explain the formation of lunar craters. New evidence shows that crater depth correlates with impact velocity but not with impactor mass. Which model is most consistent with this new evidence?

A) Model 1, which states crater formation depends primarily on impactor mass
B) Model 2, which states crater formation depends equally on velocity and mass
C) Model 3, which states crater formation depends primarily on impact velocity
D) None of the models are consistent with the new evidence

Scoring in the ACT Science Section #

Your performance in the ACT Science section generates scores in multiple dimensions:

• An overall section score on a scale of 1 to 36
• Detailed reporting category scores under three main headings:
  • Interpretation of Data
  • Scientific Investigation
  • Evaluation of Models, Inferences, and Experimental Results

Your score report provides comprehensive information about each reporting category, including:

• Total questions in each category
• Number of questions you answered correctly
• Percentage of correct answers by category

This detailed breakdown helps identify your strengths and areas for improvement, allowing for targeted preparation strategies.

Preparing for Success in ACT Science #

The key to excelling in the ACT Science section lies in developing strong analytical skills rather than memorizing scientific facts. Focus on:

1. Practicing data interpretation with various graphical formats
2. Understanding experimental design principles
3. Developing critical thinking skills for evaluating scientific claims
4. Building comfort with scientific passages through regular practice

Wizako’s updated curriculum for ACT preparation emphasizes these exact skills. Through two-way interactive live online classes, students receive personalized guidance from experienced tutors who understand the nuances of the ACT Science section. The combination of expert instruction and targeted practice helps students develop the precise skills needed to navigate this unique testing format.

Final Thoughts #

Remember that the ACT Science section primarily tests your ability to reason logically through scientific information rather than your specialized knowledge in any particular field. Your success depends on leveraging basic science concepts you’ve already learned alongside strong analytical thinking.

Even as the ACT transitions to making the Science section optional, these skills remain valuable for college readiness and academic success in STEM fields. Whether you decide to take the optional Science section or not, developing these analytical abilities will serve you well throughout your academic career.

By understanding what’s actually tested in the ACT Science section and approaching your preparation strategically, you can transform what many students find challenging into an opportunity to showcase your critical thinking skills.

Here’s a complementary FAQ section for your ACT Science article, with 5 targeted questions:

FAQ: ACT Science Section #

1. Is the ACT Science section changing in 2025? #

Yes. Starting April 2025 for US test-takers and September 2025 for international test-takers, the ACT Science section will become optional rather than mandatory. The core ACT will include only English, Math, and Reading sections.

2. Do I need to know advanced science concepts for the ACT Science section? #

No. The ACT Science section doesn’t test specific scientific formulas, definitions, or advanced concepts. It primarily evaluates your ability to interpret data, understand scientific investigations, and evaluate models using basic science knowledge from high school.

3. What are the three main types of questions on the ACT Science section? #

The three main categories are: Interpretation of Data (40-50% of questions), Scientific Investigation (20-30%), and Evaluation of Models, Inferences, and Experimental Results (25-35%).

4. How is the ACT Science section scored? #

You’ll receive an overall score on a scale of 1-36, plus detailed reporting on three categories: scientific knowledge, skills, and practices. Your report will show the total questions in each category and the percentage you answered correctly.

5. What’s the best way to prepare for the ACT Science section? #

Focus on developing analytical skills rather than memorizing scientific facts. Practice interpreting various data formats (tables, charts, graphs), understanding experimental design, and evaluating scientific claims. Regular timed practice with ACT-style passages is essential for building speed and accuracy.