Beyond The Classroom

In 2024, the ACT announced they would be making a series of “enhancements” to the test in the year to come. These changes go into effect for digital test-takers in April 2025. Students opting for paper tests will see the new version of the ACT beginning in September. School-issued state and district daytime testing will begin offering the updated ACT in spring 2026. 

Staying on top of test updates is the best way to know how to target your study efforts so that you’re as prepared as possible when test day rolls around..

A Guide For High Schools about the best SAT & ACT practices to set their students up for success on tests and during college admissions.

The College Board SAT, a standardized test widely used for college admissions in the United States, is undergoing a significant transition from its traditional paper-based format to a digital format. Students now take the test on a computer rather than with pencil and paper. This shift to digital testing raises several important implications for students. For one, it requires them to adapt to new testing strategies and tools that may differ from what they are accustomed to with paper-based exams. Additionally, the move towards digital testing results from a broader trend towards incorporating technology into education and assessment methods.

Many families struggle to find the EXTRA time in their teen’s day for SAT prep when they have numerous extracurricular activities and regular studies to attend to. While we don’t recommend taking away sports, band, chorus, volunteer work and paid jobs, we do suggest that students carve out time for prep. Without a clear carve-out, SAT (or ACT) prep will fall to the demands of classes, extra-curricular activities, social activities, and sleep.