As we approach 2025, significant updates to the SAT and ACT standardized tests are coming into focus, impacting high school students, educators, and college admissions officers. These changes aim to better align the tests with modern educational practices and ensure they reflect the skills needed for success in higher education and beyond. In this post, we will take a closer look at the digital SAT and updates for ACT for students who are planning to take these tests in 2025.

Test Length and Format

• Total Length: Approximately 2 hours.
• Format: Digital test administered on a computer or tablet. Students can use their own devices or school-provided devices.

Sections and Timing

1. Reading and Writing:
   • Number of Questions: Around 40-45 questions.
   • Time: Approximately 60 minutes.
   • Content: Combines elements of reading comprehension and writing skills. Emphasizes understanding and analyzing text, interpreting data, and answering questions related to grammar and usage.
2. Math:
   • Number of Questions: Around 40-45 questions.
   • Time: Approximately 60 minutes.
   • Content: Covers algebra, problem-solving, data analysis, and advanced math concepts. Includes questions that are calculator-allowed and those that require mental calculations.

Adaptive Testing

• The test is computer-adaptive, meaning the difficulty of questions adjusts based on previous answers. For example, if a student answers a question correctly, subsequent questions may be more challenging; if they answer incorrectly, the questions may become easier. The adaptive format helps provide a more accurate measure of a student’s abilities and can lead to more personalized test experiences.

Scoring

• Total Score: 400–1600
• Section Scores: Each section (Reading and Writing combined, and Math) is scored on a scale of 200 to 800.
• Scoring Method: The adaptive nature of the test allows for a nuanced scoring process. Scores are derived from the difficulty of the questions answered correctly, the number of correct answers, and overall performance.

Cost

• $68. Fee waivers may be available for eligible students.

Testing Dates

The digital SAT will be offered several times a year. Click here for the most current schedule.

Score Release Time

Digital SAT scores are typically available about two weeks after the test date.

Note: The new ACT will roll out online in spring 2025 and in school in spring 2026.

Test Length and Format

• Total Length: Currently 2 hours and 55 minutes. The new ACT will be approximately 2 hours.
• Format: The ACT will continue to be offered in both paper and digital formats, but the new features will only be available for digital testing.

Sections and Timing

1. English (the English and reading sections will have 44 fewer questions in the new ACT):
   • Number of Questions: Currently 75 questions.
   • Time: Currently 45 minutes.
   • Content: Tests grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and rhetorical skills. Includes passages with various types of errors and requires correction.
2. Math:
   • Number of Questions: 60 questions.
   • Time: 60 minutes.
   • Content: Covers algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and problem-solving. Includes both calculator-allowed and non-calculator questions.
3. Reading (reading passages of the new ACT will be shorter):
   • Number of Questions: Currently 40 questions.
   • Time: Currently 35 minutes.
   • Content: Assesses reading comprehension through passages from literature, social studies, and natural sciences. Questions focus on understanding, interpreting, and analyzing text.
4. Science (Optional starting spring 2025 for computer-based testing):
   • Number of Questions: 40 questions.
   • Time: 35 minutes.
   • Content: Tests scientific reasoning and interpretation. Includes data representation, research summaries, and conflicting viewpoints. Students can choose to take this section or skip it.
5. Writing (Optional):
   • Number of Questions: 1 prompt.
   • Time: 40 minutes.
   • Content: Requires students to write an essay analyzing a given issue and presenting a reasoned argument. The essay is optional and will not affect the composite score if not taken.

No Adaptive Testing

• ACT does not have adaptive testing in the same way as the SAT. The test has fixed sections with set questions.

Scoring

• Total Score: 1–36.
• Section Scores: Each section (English, Math, Reading, Science) is scored on a scale of 1 to 36, with the optional Essay scored separately.
• Composite Score: The average of the four section scores (English, Math, Reading, Science) is used to determine the composite score.
• Super Scoring: The ACT will officially support super scoring, allowing colleges to consider the highest scores from each section across multiple test attempts.

Cost

• $69 without writing, $94 with writing. Fee waivers will be available for eligible students.

Testing Dates

Frequency: The ACT will be offered multiple times throughout the year. Click here for the most current schedule.

Score Release Time

• Digital Format: Scores are typically available within 2 weeks of the test date.
• Paper-Based Format: Scores are usually released within 2-8 weeks after the test date.