The Strategic Decision: Should Your Student Take the Optional ACT Science Section?

by OTRE Educator Joshua West

The recent enhancements to the ACT, including the optional nature of the Science section, have created confusion for college-bound families. As the landscape of standardized testing evolves, making the right choice about the ACT Science section is now a crucial strategic decision.

At On the Rise Education, we have analyzed official statements from the ACT, policies from selective universities, and research on student outcomes. Here is our authoritative guidance to help your family navigate the Enhanced ACT.

For the ACT, BU will only accept ACT scores which include the Science subsection; the Writing subsection continues to remain optional. We recalculate a new composite score using the highest score from each section, regardless of test date. (https://www.bu.edu/admissions/apply/first-year/)

The Bottom Line Up Front

While most colleges will accept the Enhanced ACT without a Science score, and institutions like Harvard, Stanford, and Princeton have stated it is optional for general admission, we strongly recommend most students with any STEM interest include the Science section when they test.

Here’s why this decision is more nuanced than simply skipping a section:

• Official ACT Policy: Starting with the April 2025 online and September 2025 paper tests, the Science score is optional and is no longer factored into the ACT Composite or ACT Superscore (which will only use English, Math, and Reading). However, the Science score is reported separately and factors directly into the STEM Score alongside Math.

• Institutional Autonomy: The ACT explicitly states that colleges retain the right to set their own policies. While the Composite is based on EMR, individual institutions—or specific programs—can still require, recommend, or factor in the standalone Science or STEM scores.

• Early Policy Check: Most highly selective colleges have confirmed Science is optional, but some, like Boston University, currently state that any submitted ACT must include a Science subscore. Policies vary widely by institution and are subject to change.

The science section is designed to give you the opportunity to show colleges you know how to apply systematic reasoning, how to determine which information is important, and that you know how to use basic scientific resources like data, charts, and tables — no matter what the topic is. That’s because making progress and finding success in STEM fields is less about the answers you already know, and more about using scientific reasoning to uncover the right questions to ask next. (https://www.act.org/content/act/en/students-and-parents/high-school-success/testing-advice-for-the-act/act-science-test-tips.html)

The Value of the Optional ACT Science Section Score: Beyond the Composite

A key takeaway from our research is that even if a strong Science score doesn’t raise your student’s Composite, it still holds significant strategic value, particularly for students considering technical fields.

• Signaling STEM Readiness: Research confirms that ACT Math and Science performance is a strong predictor of college-level STEM readiness, including the likelihood of earning a C or better in first-year STEM courses and persistence in STEM majors. A high standalone Science and STEM Score is a powerful indicator of preparedness.

• Program and Scholarship Criteria: Though optional for general admission at many schools, specific college programs (such as Engineering, Pre-Health, Nursing) and competitive scholarships often rely on STEM indicators for evaluation. Not having a Science score could inadvertently limit scholarship or program opportunities.

As of April 2025, ACT.org has changed its policy and the science subsection is not required on the ACT exam, but an eligible science sub score of 19 will remain a requirement for [West Virginia] Promise [Scholarship] eligibility. In addition, the composite reported on the Enhanced ACT and student’s ACT.org account is not reflective of an acceptable composite score for Promise eligibility, which must include the science sub score. (https://www.cfwv.com/financial-aid/promise-scholarship/how-it-works/)

The On the Rise Education Decision Framework

To make an informed decision, we advise all families to follow this strategic framework:

1. Identify Potential Majors: If your student is STEM-interested, STEM-leaning, or even undecided, they should take the Science section at least once. This strengthens their overall profile and provides a separate STEM score that specific programs and awards value.

2. Audit Target College Policies: Build a list of all target schools. Check the admissions page and the Common App entry for each one. If any school or program on the list requires or recommends the Science section, your student should take it.

3. Consider Test Strategy: If your student’s core scores (English, Math, Reading) are strong, and you are absolutely certain that none of your target schools will consider a Science score, you may choose to skip it to reduce test-day fatigue. Otherwise, sit for Science at least once to keep the option open.

4. Decide which scholarships you'll apply for: Find out which scholarships require the ACT Science score, especially for STEM scholarships. Some don't require a particularly high score, but skipping the optional science will reduce the number of scholarships you qualify for.

   
   

Ready to Make Your Personalized ACT Plan?

The decision on the optional ACT Science section is a strategic one that should align with your student’s college list and academic goals. Generic advice is no longer enough.

On the Rise Education offers personalized testing strategy and tutoring services. We help families

• Analyze their specific college lists against our up-to-date policy tracker (including institutions like Cornell, Duke, MIT, and UT Austin).

• Develop a prep strategy focused on the sections that matter most for their goals (including the Science section for STEM tracks).

• Ensure they are positioned for maximum scholarship and program consideration.

Don't leave this critical decision to chance. Contact On the Rise Education today to schedule a strategy session and ensure your student’s ACT submission fully supports their college application success.

Book Your Strategy Consultation Now!