Do students need to take ACT Science?

The short answer: not always

ACT Science is optional for students registering for the current U.S. national ACT. You can receive an ACT Composite score by taking English, Math, and Reading without Science. However, a college, a particular degree program, or a school-day testing arrangement may still require the Science section.

The useful question is therefore: do you need Science for your own application and testing plan? Check the policies for your entry year before choosing your test options. An optional section at registration is not automatically optional for every college program. The policies and examples in this guide were checked on September 20, 2026.

• ACT: enhanced test options and institutional requirements

Does Science affect your ACT Composite score?

For ACT tests taken from September 2025 onward, the Composite uses English, Math, and Reading. Science is not part of that calculation. Taking Science produces a separate Science score on the 1–36 scale and a STEM score based on Math and Science from the same test administration.

For example, English 28, Math 30, and Reading 32 average to a Composite of 30. Adding a Science score of 24 does not turn that Composite into a four-section average. In this example, Math 30 and Science 24 produce a STEM score of 27. These are illustrative calculations, not a student’s results.

A strong Science score therefore does not raise the current Composite directly. It can provide additional information where a college considers it. Likewise, a lower Science score does not directly lower that Composite, although a college may separately review the section score.

• ACT: Composite, Science, and STEM score calculations

What do colleges say about ACT Science?

College policies differ, and a requirement for a special program may differ from the university’s general admissions policy. These examples show why you should read the exact wording rather than treating every mention of Science as a requirement.

Georgetown’s recommendation is not the same as a mandatory section. George Washington’s requirement below applies specifically to its B.A./B.S.-M.D. applicants submitting ACT scores; it should not be applied to all GW applicants. Recheck the linked admissions pages before registering or submitting results.

• MIT Admissions: tests and scores
• Yale Admissions: required ACT sections
• Georgetown Admissions: ACT Science recommendation
• George Washington Admissions: B.A./B.S.-M.D. exception

What about school-day and international testing?

For state and district ACT testing, the organization arranging the test can decide whether to include Science. Ask your school’s testing coordinator what your administration includes. Do not assume you can personally remove a section from a school-day test because it is optional during national registration.

ACT’s international guidance also lists Science as optional from September 2025, with the enhanced international test content introduced in February 2026. International students should still check the registration options for their location and the requirements of the universities and programs they plan to apply to.

• ACT: national versus state and district section choices
• ACT Global: international test enhancements

Should a future STEM student take ACT Science?

A planned STEM major does not automatically make ACT Science mandatory. MIT’s policy is one example. Georgetown’s recommendation shows why the answer can still depend on the institution. Start with the college and program, then consider whether the section would add useful evidence of your preparation.

Bilubi’s recommendation is to take Science when your target program requires it, and to give serious consideration to an explicit recommendation. If it is optional everywhere on your list, weigh your practice performance, available study time, and interest in having a Science and STEM score. There is no guaranteed admissions benefit just from adding another section.

If your college list is still developing, taking Science may preserve options for programs you add later. Balance that possibility against the additional testing and preparation, and check any applicable registration fees. If the policy is unclear, ask the admissions office before making your choice.

What does the ACT Science section test?

The current enhanced ACT Science section has 40 questions in 40 minutes under standard timing. It assesses interpretation of scientific information, investigation, and evaluation of arguments and evidence across scientific subjects. Work with the data and information in each passage instead of assuming the section is only a test of memorized facts.

A useful practice routine is to identify the variables, read the axis labels and units, and locate the evidence needed for the question. After a mistake, ask whether you misread a graph, confused the experimental conditions, or made an inference the evidence did not support. This is a suggested review method, not an official scoring rule.

• ACT: current Science section structure and content
• How to review ACT practice-test mistakes

A checklist before you register

Use this checklist to decide from your own requirements. Checkmarks are temporary; save the policy links and your decision in your study plan.

• I checked each college’s policy for my intended entry year and program.
• I distinguished a requirement from a recommendation or an optional score.
• I checked any separate scholarship or special-program requirements.
• I confirmed whether my school-day or other testing arrangement includes Science.
• I considered my practice results and the additional preparation time.
• I confirmed my selected sections before completing registration.

Common questions about skipping ACT Science

Can I receive a Composite without Science? Yes, on the current ACT, English, Math, and Reading provide the Composite. You will not receive a Science score without taking that section.

Can I remove Science from an older score report myself? Do not relabel a self-calculated average as an official Composite. Follow ACT’s score reporting and the college’s instructions. Yale, for example, specifically says an ACT superscore must match the testing agency’s result, rather than a student’s recalculation across old and new formats.

Do I need to retake the ACT just to add Science? First check whether a target college or program actually requires it and how it accepts results from different sittings. Ask ACT about the testing options available for your registration. Do not book another exam solely because someone says all colleges need Science.

• Yale: reporting ACT scores and superscores