On the enhanced ACT, every section includes unscored experimental questions mixed in with the real ones—and you cannot tell which is which, so you should treat every question as if it counts. Experimental items do not affect your raw or scaled score, but skipping them "because they might be experimental" is one of the worst moves you can make on test day. For how the full test fits together, see what changed on the enhanced ACT.
What experimental questions are
ACT embeds trial questions in every section—English, Math, Reading, and Science—to test them for future exams. These items look identical to scored questions. Same format, same difficulty, same answer sheet bubble. You have no way to know which ones ACT is piloting.
They do not count toward your score
Only scored questions feed your raw score, which ACT then converts to your 1 to 36 section scores and Composite. Experimental answers are collected separately for research. That means a question you found impossible might have been experimental—or it might have been scored. You will never know, so the only safe strategy is to try your best on every single one.
Never skip because it might be experimental
Some students guess that the weird question at the end of a passage must be a throwaway. That is a trap. If it is scored and you left it blank, you gave away a free point—there is no guessing penalty on the ACT. Answer every question, every section, every time.
How this affects question counts
The numbers you see on a test booklet or screen include experimentals. English might show 50 questions, but only a subset is scored. The same goes for Math, Reading, and Science. That is why official practice tests and real exams can feel slightly different in length even though the scored workload is consistent. For section timing, see how long the ACT is.
Why ACT does this
New questions need real student data before ACT can use them on future tests. Embedding them on live exams lets ACT calibrate difficulty without running a separate trial. It is standard practice for large standardized tests, and it is invisible to you as a test taker—as long as you ignore it and keep working.
What this means for scoring strategy
Experimental questions do not change how raw scores convert to scaled scores. ACT's equating process still applies only to the scored items. You do not need to adjust your target or worry that experimentals will tank your Composite. Focus on accuracy across the whole section. For how many misses you can afford at the top, see how many questions you can miss for a perfect 36. For the full scoring path, see how the ACT is scored.
The bottom line
Experimental questions exist, but they are not your problem. Treat every question as scored, fill in every bubble, and let ACT worry about the rest.
Start practicing
Start with a free diagnostic, then drill your weak spots with 15-question quizzes and track how you're doing across Reading, English, and Math. Compare plans whenever you're ready to go further.
This article offers general ACT prep guidance. The ACT can change from year to year, including its format, scoring, policies, test dates, and fees, so always confirm the latest details on the official ACT website at act.org before you make decisions. ACT® is a registered trademark of ACT, Inc. thirty-six is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by ACT.