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NEW Enhanced ACT vs The Current Digital SAT 2025


As of February 2025, significant changes are underway for both the ACT and SAT standardized tests, aiming to enhance the testing experience and better assess students' readiness for college. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the upcoming Enhanced ACT and the current Digital SAT, highlighting their formats, content, and key differences.


Enhanced ACT (Effective April 2025):

The ACT is introducing an "Enhanced" version of its test, with several notable modifications:

  • Format and Timing: Starting in April 2025, the Enhanced ACT will be available in an online format, with the paper-and-pencil version adopting the new format in September 2025. The test will be shorter, focusing on three core sections: English, Math, and Reading. 

  • Optional Science Section: The Science section will become optional. Students can choose to include it based on their strengths and the requirements of their prospective colleges. 

  • Scoring Changes: The Composite score will now be an average of the English, Math, and Reading sections. If a student opts to take the Science section, its score will be reported separately and not factored into the Composite score. 

  • Availability: The Enhanced ACT will be offered online starting in April 2025 for national test dates, with the updated paper version available from September 2025. School-day administrations will transition to the new format in spring 2026. 


Digital SAT (Implemented in 2024):

The SAT transitioned to a digital format in 2024, introducing several key changes:

  • Format and Timing: The Digital SAT is administered entirely on a computer, featuring a shorter duration of approximately two hours.

  • Adaptive Testing: The test employs a multistage adaptive design, adjusting the difficulty of questions based on the test-taker's performance in earlier sections.

  • Content Structure: The Digital SAT comprises two main sections: Reading and Writing, and Math. Each section is divided into two modules, with questions tailored to the student's performance.

  • Scoring: The scoring scale remains consistent with the previous paper-based test, ranging up to 1600 points, combining results from both sections.


Key Differences Between Enhanced ACT and Digital SAT:

  • Test Format: Both tests are available in digital formats; however, the ACT will continue to offer a paper-and-pencil option, whereas the SAT has fully transitioned to digital.

  • Section Composition: The Enhanced ACT includes English, Math, and Reading sections, with an optional Science section. The Digital SAT comprises Reading and Writing, and Math sections, without a separate Science component.

  • Adaptive Testing: The Digital SAT utilizes adaptive testing to adjust question difficulty based on performance. In contrast, the Enhanced ACT does not incorporate adaptive testing.

  • Scoring Methodology: The Enhanced ACT's Composite score averages the English, Math, and Reading sections, with the Science score reported separately if taken. The Digital SAT combines scores from the Reading and Writing, and Math sections for a total out of 1600.


Students are encouraged to consult official ACT and College Board websites regularly for the most up-to-date information and resources to aid in their preparation.


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