Should You Take the ACT Optional Science Section?

With the ACT’s recent shift to make the Science section optional, many students and parents are wondering: “Who should take ACT Science?” This important question deserves careful consideration, as the decision can impact both your testing experience and college applications. This article breaks down the factors to consider when deciding whether the ACT Science section is right for you.

Understanding the New Status of ACT Science #

Before diving into who should take the Science section, it’s worth briefly recapping the change. Starting April 2025 for US test-takers and September 2025 for international students, the ACT Science section transitions from a mandatory component to an optional one. The three remaining mandatory sections are English, Math, and Reading, with Science now requiring a deliberate opt-in and a small additional fee.

Importantly, under this new format, the Science score will not be included in your composite ACT score. This structural change significantly affects the calculus of who should take this section.

Students Applying to STEM Programs #

The most obvious candidates for the ACT Science section are students planning to apply to science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) programs. Here’s why STEM-focused students should consider taking the optional Science section:

• Demonstrates relevant skills: The ACT Science section measures your ability to interpret data, analyze experimental designs, and evaluate scientific hypotheses – all valuable skills in STEM fields.
• Differentiates your application: A strong Science score can help you stand out among other STEM applicants, showing particular aptitude in scientific reasoning.
• Program requirements: Some specialized STEM programs may continue to request or recommend Science scores, particularly during the transition period, to maintain consistency with their historical admissions data.

Engineering, pre-med, and computer science applicants particularly benefit from showcasing their scientific reasoning capabilities through the ACT Science section.

Students with Strong Data Analysis Skills #

The ACT Science section primarily tests your ability to interpret charts, graphs, and scientific information – not your knowledge of scientific facts. Students who excel at quickly analyzing data visualizations may find the Science section plays to their strengths:

• Graph and chart interpretation: If you’re comfortable extracting information from various data presentations, you may perform well regardless of your science background.
• Quick analytical thinking: Students who can rapidly process information and draw conclusions have an advantage on this time-intensive section.
• Pattern recognition: The ability to identify trends and patterns in data sets typically translates to strong performance.

For these analytically-minded students, the Science section offers an opportunity to demonstrate valuable skills that might not be fully captured by the other mandatory sections.

Students Seeking to Highlight Scientific Reasoning Abilities #

Beyond STEM applicants, any student with strong scientific reasoning abilities might benefit from taking the Science section:

• Critical thinking showcase: The section rewards methodical thinking and careful analysis – skills valued across many academic disciplines.
• Balanced strengths: If your scientific reasoning abilities are stronger than other areas tested on the ACT, the Science score can provide a more complete picture of your academic profile.
• Extended profile: Some students simply benefit from providing more data points about their abilities to admissions committees.

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Students Applying to Colleges That Value Science Scores #

While the landscape is evolving with these ACT changes, certain institutions may continue to value Science section scores:

• Colleges with research emphasis: Universities with strong undergraduate research programs often value scientific reasoning skills.
• Schools with science-heavy core curricula: Some institutions require substantial science coursework for all students, regardless of major.
• Specialized programs: Certain competitive programs in fields like health sciences may look favorably on students who opt to take and perform well on the Science section.

As the transition to optional Science unfolds, it’s worth researching whether your target schools have made any statements about how they’ll view optional Science scores in their admissions process.

Students Who Test Well Under Time Pressure #

The Science section’s format – 40 questions in 40 minutes – creates a demanding pace that rewards efficient test-takers:

• Quick processors: Students who can rapidly absorb and analyze information tend to perform well.
• Strategic readers: Those skilled at identifying key information without getting bogged down in details have an advantage.
• Cool under pressure: The section rewards those who can maintain accuracy while working quickly.

If you’ve historically performed well on timed standardized tests and can maintain focus through the extended testing period, the Science section might showcase your abilities.

Students Who Have Already Prepared for ACT Science #

Many current high school students began their ACT preparation before the announcement of these structural changes. For these students, pragmatic factors might influence the decision:

• Invested preparation: If you’ve already devoted significant time to Science section preparation, it makes sense to capitalize on that investment.
• Practice test performance: Students who have consistently scored well on the Science section in practice tests should consider taking it to showcase this strength.
• Testing confidence: If you feel comfortable with the Science section format and content, taking it can contribute to overall testing confidence.

Wizako’s Live Online Classes for SAT and ACT can help students already preparing for the Science section to refine their approach and maximize their scores. Their two-way interactive approach ensures personalized attention from experienced tutors who understand the unique challenges of the Science section.

Students Seeking Scholarship Opportunities #

Some scholarships, particularly those focused on STEM fields, may consider Science section scores:

• Merit scholarships: Certain merit-based awards may factor in performance across all available sections.
• STEM-specific scholarships: Programs supporting future scientists and engineers may look favorably on students who elect to take the Science section.
• Maximum information: Some scholarship committees prefer evaluating the broadest possible testing profile when making their determinations.

Who Might Consider Skipping the ACT Science Section #

While many students can benefit from taking the Science section, others might reasonably choose to skip it:

• Non-STEM applicants: Students applying to programs where scientific reasoning is less emphasized might not need this additional score.
• Testing anxiety: Those who experience significant test anxiety might benefit from the shorter overall testing experience.
• Weaker performance area: If practice tests consistently show the Science section lowering your potential composite score, it might make strategic sense to focus on the mandatory sections.
• Time and energy concerns: Students with tight schedules or those who need to conserve mental energy might skip the additional testing time.

How Will Colleges Evaluate Optional ACT Science Scores? #

The transition to an optional Science section creates uncertainty about how colleges will evaluate these scores. While the situation will evolve, here are some reasonable expectations:

• Consideration when provided: Most colleges will likely review Science scores when submitted, particularly for STEM applicants.
• No penalty for omission: Institutions are unlikely to penalize students who don’t submit Science scores, especially for non-STEM programs.
• Program-specific importance: The weight given to Science scores will vary significantly by intended major and program.
• Evolving policies: Expect colleges to refine their approaches as they collect data on students admitted under the new testing format.

As policies develop, checking directly with your target institutions about their specific approach to optional Science scores remains the most reliable strategy.

Making Your Decision #

When deciding whether to take the ACT Science section, consider these practical steps:

1. Research your target schools: Check admissions websites for any guidance on optional Science scores
2. Assess your strengths: Take practice tests to gauge your performance on the Science section
3. Consider your application strategy: Determine if a Science score would strengthen your overall profile
4. Evaluate testing stamina: Honestly assess whether the additional testing time will impact your performance
5. Weigh preparation time: Factor in the additional preparation needed for the Science section

Strategic Approach with Superscoring #

ACT allows for superscoring, which opens up another strategic possibility. You could focus on the mandatory sections in one attempt and secure a competitive score without taking the Science section. Then, in a subsequent attempt, you could include the Science section, paying more attention to performing well on it. This approach allows you to divide your focus and potentially maximize both your composite score and your Science section score independently. Since colleges that use superscoring take your highest section scores across different test dates, this strategy could help you optimize your overall testing profile without the pressure of performing well on everything in a single sitting.

Conclusion #

The decision about whether to take the optional ACT Science section should be based on your individual circumstances, academic strengths, and college aspirations. For many STEM-focused students and those with strong analytical abilities, the Science section offers a valuable opportunity to showcase important skills. For others, particularly those applying to programs where scientific reasoning is less emphasized, the streamlined testing experience without the Science section might be preferable.

As with most aspects of college preparation, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to “Who should take ACT Science?” The key is making an informed decision based on your specific situation and goals. By carefully weighing the factors outlined in this article and staying informed about evolving college policies, you can make the choice that best supports your academic journey.

FAQ: Who should opt for ACT Science Section #

1. Should all STEM majors take the optional ACT Science section?
   While most STEM-focused students should consider taking the Science section, it’s particularly valuable for those applying to competitive engineering, pre-med, and hard science programs where scientific reasoning skills are directly relevant.
2. Does a strong ACT Science score matter if it’s not included in the composite score?
   Yes, a strong Science score can still matter significantly for specific programs and scholarships, even though it won’t affect your composite score. Colleges can see all your section scores and may consider Science scores for STEM-related programs.
3. How can I determine if I should take the ACT Science section?
   Take a practice ACT Science section and assess your performance, research whether your target schools recommend Science scores for your intended major, and consider whether the additional testing time will affect your overall performance.
4. Will colleges penalize students who don’t take the optional ACT Science section?
   Most colleges are unlikely to penalize students who don’t submit Science scores, especially for non-STEM programs. However, for certain science-heavy programs, opting out might put you at a slight disadvantage compared to applicants who performed well on this section.
5. Is the ACT Science section worth the extra preparation time?
   For students with strong analytical skills or STEM aspirations, the additional preparation is likely worthwhile as it showcases valuable abilities. For humanities-focused students with limited study time, focusing on mandatory sections may be more strategic.
6. Can taking the ACT Science section help me stand out if I’m not a STEM major?
   Yes, a strong Science score can differentiate your application even for non-STEM majors by demonstrating strong analytical abilities, critical thinking skills, and the willingness to challenge yourself beyond minimum requirements.