The landscape of standardized testing is shifting. The SAT has transitioned to a shorter, digital format, and the ACT will follow suit with a shorter version starting in April 2025, while still offering its current format through July 2025. So, what should the Class of 2026 do?

I recommend choosing between the SAT and the current ACT. The best way to decide is by taking practice tests for both (or using our shorter diagnostic test https://www.lockwoodtestprep.com/offers/7NFJFa3b/checkout) and comparing scores. If you score similarly on both, I suggest choosing the ACT due to the limited SAT practice materials.

The ACT’s new format will debut in April 2025 as a digital test, and by September 2025, it will replace the current version entirely (the shorter version will be available in both paper and digital formats). If you're considering retaking the ACT as a senior, aim to complete testing by July 2025 to avoid transitioning to the new version.

Why not wait for the shorter ACT?...

As summer ends, many students are beginning their standardized test preparation, choosing between the SAT and ACT. Since the SAT went digital, I've noticed a surge in students opting for it—many without even taking diagnostic tests. This is a significant mistake for many.

Diagnostic Testing Matters

Choosing the right test is crucial for successful preparation. While the SAT and ACT share similarities, students often perform better on one due to differences in format, pacing, and content.

Diagnostic Testing is Quick and Valuable

Investing a few hours in diagnostic testing (less than 3 hours for a combo test or about 5 hours for separate full-length tests) can provide essential insights into which test suits you best.

Choosing the Wrong Test is Costly

This year, I've seen a record number of students switch from the SAT to the ACT after realizing the SAT wasn’t right for them. Starting with the wrong test wastes time, money, and effort.

The ACT's Advantage

Currently, the...

The ACT has announced significant changes to its testing format, offering students the option to take the exam digitally. This shift will eventually make the test permanently shorter and slower-paced. Here are the key highlights of these changes:

Upcoming Changes:

• April 2025: Students can opt for the new version of the digital ACT on national test dates.
• The digital test will be shorter and will exclude the science section from the composite score.
• The science section will be optional
• April 2025 to September 2025: Students will have the choice between the new digital test and the current paper version of the test.
• September 2025: Both the digital and paper versions will transition to the newer format
• The ACT will continue to offer both digital and paper formats of the new test

What Isn’t Changing?

• The scoring scale will remain the same, ranging from 1 to 36.
• The writing (essay) section will remain optional.
• The core content of the exam will remain substantially unchanged.
• ...

Juniors

When to Test?
Since both the SAT and ACT cover math primarily from Pre-Algebra through Algebra 2, it's important for students to have completed part of Algebra 2 before taking their first test. Therefore, most juniors benefit from taking their first test in December or spring (February, March, or April) of their junior year. If you’ve already completed Algebra 2, taking the test sooner is definitely better!

When to Begin Preparation?
The summer before junior year is an excellent time to start studying. Maintaining consistency in studying until you complete testing is essential, so choose your timing carefully. I recommend starting at least six weeks before your first test and continuing your studying through future tests.

How Many Times Should You Test?
Generally, most students should plan on taking the test three times. However, starting earlier is important to allow time for retakes if needed or in case something goes wrong (like illness or test center closures).

...

Summer is an ideal time to invest in test preparation, as you are free from the stresses and rigors of the school year and can focus your energies into increasing your score. Here are some tips for summer prep:

1. Take two diagnostic tests

It’s important to choose the right test. I suggest taking two full length tests, using official materials (one SAT and one ACT on separate days). Compare your scores to see which test you scored better on. It’s generally better to choose one test and focus all of your attention on it rather than splitting your time between both the SAT and ACT.

2. Create a study plan

Gather materials and past official tests and source quality materials to aid in your studies. For the SAT in particular, be careful to use the official practice tests wisely, as you only have access to 6 (as of the writing of this blog post); I see a lot of students using them up too quickly, who then have no reliable way of measuring their progress. Schedule time...

Every year since it’s been in existence, the August SAT date fills up extremely quickly in many areas. It’s important to act quickly to secure a spot (October may fill up quickly as well).

Why does it fill up so quickly?

I assume the reason is the scarcity of testing centers. I suspect schools do not want to open their doors in August, before school officially begins in many areas.

When does registration open up?

The College Board does not tell us, and it’s not an easily predictable date. Last year was the earliest so far, in mid-May.

What can I do to secure my spot?

I recommend frequently checking the registration page, beginning now (at least once per day). Make sure your details are already filled out in your account, so you don’t take too long during registration (and risk losing your spot). You can skip all of the optional questions asking about academic history. Here is the registration page: https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/sat/dates-deadlines

Once...

1. You didn’t take the practice tests properly

Using real, official SATs and ACTs is the best way to assess your score; the practice test scores you got in the two weeks before test day are good predictors of how you will score on the real test. However, these scores can be quite inaccurate if you don’t take the practice tests properly. You should take each practice test in a single sitting, uninterrupted, and follow testing rules (for example, don’t give yourself a few extra minutes to finish up a section).

2. You aren’t properly managing your time

It’s important not to allow yourself to get bogged down on any one question, as it’s easy to get sidetracked and run out of time.

3. Test anxiety can reduce your score

If you suffer from test anxiety, I recommend taking the actual test as many times as you can; the more you take the test, the more comfortable you should be on test day, which can help you feel less anxious. Note that test anxiety is...

I’ve been getting questions from parents and students about the possibility of the ACT going digital, following the SAT’s recent transition. The ACT has been available only as a digital test for international students (anyone outside the US) for several years. Recently, there is an option in certain centers to take a digital ACT, but (for now) the US-based ACT is primarily a paper based exam.

The computer based ACT and the paper based ACT are the same outside of the format. They have the same number of questions, the same timing, and the same scoring. Both formats will be accepted and given equal weight by colleges. 

Should you take the digital ACT if it is available in your area? It really depends on what you feel most comfortable with. My recommendation is to take both versions of the test and see which one you felt better with. The ACT has sample tests in both the digital and paper format on their website and in their official prep guide.

...

As we embrace the new era of the digital SAT, we're met with a fresh challenge: a scarcity of study resources. This shortage might persist, given the College Board's decision to discontinue the QAS, effectively limiting access to past real SATs. Presently, the College Board has provided only 4 practice digital SATs, a digital 8/9 grade PSAT, and a digital 10/NMSQT PSAT via their BlueBook app.

Given the scarcity of official practice SATs, we have to use them wisely! These tests serve as the best resource for practice and assessing progress, so students should ration them carefully, reserving some for potential future retakes of the exam.

What to avoid: until you've exhausted all official practice tests, avoid all other College Board materials. Unfortunately, questions from their practice tests have been repurposed in their question bank, paper book, and social media posts. Exposure to these questions compromises the accuracy and effectiveness of practice exams.

For additional...

With the SAT now fully digital worldwide, the decision-making process for choosing a standardized test has shifted. While my usual advice of comparing scores and considering comfort levels with each test remains unchanged, a new factor has emerged – the availability of practice tests.

Currently, the digital SAT offers only four practice tests, along with a single digital PSAT and an eighth/ninth-grade version. In contrast, there is a wealth of practice tests available for the ACT, a test which has remained fairly consistent over the last three decades. Even non-official ACT materials, created by test prep companies over time, outshine their rushed-to-market digital SAT counterparts.

Practice tests are crucial. They allow students to get experience taking timed tests, helping them become more comfortable with the process, and giving them an accurate idea of where their score currently stands. In my opinion, taking many practice tests (and reviewing them) is the best way to...