While it remains debatable whether the SAT and ACT are good predictors of academic performance and graduation rates in college, their scores help colleges manage the ofttimes overwhelming volume of college applications. Standardized test scores are also used by colleges to compare students’ foundational skills and counteract grade inflation.
Following the pandemic, some institutions permanently ended their use of standardized entrance exams, such as the University of California system. Yet standardized testing is likely here to stay, as evidenced by the recent trend among Ivy League institutions to reinstate testing requirements. Nonetheless, this current state of flux also pertains to the tests themselves. All this uncertainty has proved to be challenging for high schools and families to contend with.
New Changes to the SAT
The most recent changes to the SAT were launched in March 2024. With a new adaptive design, the digital SAT is substantially shorter. The College Board stated that these changes will enhance accessibility and allow more frequent test dates. The digital version is dynamic and adjusts the difficulty of subsequent questions based on previous responses. The math and verbal sections both have two parts, and the second part is based on how a student did in the first part. Students who do better in the first portion receive a harder second module.
I spoke with Jon Wilkins at Top Score Education about the SAT’s new computer-based format to get his take on its recent roll out. Wilkins states the adaptive nature of the digital SAT “makes the exam fairer and more accurate.” He believes that scoring is likely impacted by the module a student receives, with the easier module resulting in a relatively lower maximum score for that section. Students and parents may be disappointed to learn that the College Board has not disclosed any information about the scoring of each question nor how many incorrect responses will trigger the easier module.
Wilkins goes on to say that many students prefer some of the new features, including “an online graphing calculator system built into the College Board Bluebook called Desmos.” He states that most of the math questions can be answered by using this calculator. Many students have also found the reading section to be a bit easier than before. “Rather than 2-3 pages of reading, each question now has one paragraph of reading.” Wilkins explains that the changes to the digital PSAT are almost identical to the digital SAT, with some differences being in the overall number of test questions and varying scoring scales as before.
Another bonus of the digital SAT is that scores are released within days rather than several weeks after the test date. Requesting testing accommodations is also faster now, taking two to three weeks rather than up to six weeks previously. The new version has built-in test accommodations, such as extra time, font size, read aloud, highlighter and breaks. If any accommodation cannot be provided within the SAT digital format, Wilkins advises students to look to the ACT. Many students seem to prefer the new SAT, because it is shorter than the current ACT. However, that will change in 2025.
Forthcoming Changes to the ACT
Following the College Board’s lead to provide a digital SAT, the ACT will offer a digital version that is even shorter than the new SAT beginning in spring 2025. Additionally, the science section will become optional. While the SAT only has a math and verbal section, the ACT has English, reading, math, science and an optional writing section. Another difference is that the digital ACT will be non-adaptive, meaning it will be exactly like the paper version, which will not be phased out. This is good news for students who struggle with computer-based testing or have unique accommodations that cannot be implemented on a computer.
The SAT, the ACT or Both?
Taking both tests will divide a student’s time away from grades and extracurriculars and could drain financial resources. Wilkins says students typically do better on the one “they had the highest starting score on.” Many test prep companies offer a free diagnostic analysis of both tests to help students decide which to prep for and take. Additionally, Khan Academy and the College Board have partnered while ACT and Kaplan have collaborated to offer free practice exams, videos and testing strategies on their websites.
Wilkins recommends that students wanting to take the SAT wait until they complete algebra 2. He adds that being well-read and exposed to vocabulary and literature helps as well. Building knowledge and skills in core academic subjects through coursework helps increase scores on both exams.
Sumaiya Olatunde, MA, MS, NCC is a professional college admissions counselor and educational advocate. She is the owner of H2D Counseling LLC and has nearly three decades of experience guiding neurotypical and neurodivergent students and their families through educational challenges to academic and career success.
