Should I Take The Science Portion Of The ACT?

When It Makes Sense

• Good fit: You are applying to colleges that consider the ACT Science score in their admissions or scholarship formulas, and you have demonstrated strong science reasoning skills in class or practice tests.
• Good fit: You are preparing for programs (e.g., engineering, health sciences) where a solid science score can strengthen your overall academic profile and give you a confidence boost on test day.

When You Should Avoid It

• Warning sign: You have limited time for test preparation and your practice scores show the Science section dragging down your overall practice composite.
• Warning sign: The colleges you target explicitly state that the Science score is optional or not used in admissions, making the extra time spent less valuable.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Potentially improves your overall ACT composite score if you perform well, which can affect admissions and scholarship eligibility.
• Provides an additional data point for colleges that evaluate scientific reasoning ability, supporting applications to STEM‑heavy programs.

Cons

• Consumes valuable test‑taking time and mental energy, possibly reducing performance on other sections where you could score higher.
• If your preparation in science content is weaker, a low Science score could raise concerns about inconsistent performance across sections.

Decision Checklist

• Do the colleges you’re applying to list the ACT Science score as a factor in admissions or scholarships?
• Have you achieved practice Science scores comparable to or higher than your other section scores?
• Can you allocate additional study time without sacrificing preparation for the English, Math, or Reading sections?

Alternatives to Consider

You could choose to skip the Science section and focus exclusively on strengthening English, Math, and Reading. Another option is to take the ACT without Science and supplement your science credentials with AP exams, SAT Subject Tests, or a strong high‑school science GPA. If you’re uncertain, consider taking a practice ACT that includes Science to gauge realistic performance before the real test day.

Final Recommendation

If the schools you’re targeting count the Science score and your practice results suggest you can earn a competitive mark without compromising other sections, taking the Science portion is worthwhile. If you’re limited on preparation time, your practice scores lag behind, or the colleges do not use the score, it’s safer to focus on the other sections. In any case, consult your college counselor or admission advisor for personalized guidance, especially when high‑stakes decisions are involved.