A newer, shorter version of the ACT that some users saw in June 2024 tells us that the ACT team is looking to make changes to keep pace with SAT’s newest digital offering. In this article, we look into what we currently understand about these changes.
Will The ACT Be Shorter Soon? The June 8 ACT Surprise
Some students who took the newly available digital version of the ACT on June 8, 2024 were surprised when given their testing instructions and overview that morning. It turns out that what ACT has described as a “randomized subset” of testers that day were served a newer, shorter version of the test.
Why The Change? Likely To Keep Up With Its Competition, The SAT.
When the College Board rolled out its adaptive, digital SAT in March 2024, it was quickly embraced by today’s students. As one of the earliest digital-native generations, rising high school juniors and seniors have more experience testing and learning in online environments than they do with traditional pen-to-paper formats. Their preference for digital college-entrance exams is not surprising.
If Comparing Simply On Digital + Duration Time: The SAT Wins.
The digital format was not the only benefit students saw in taking the SAT over the ACT. The test duration, 134 minutes and 98 questions for the SAT vs. 175 minutes and 215 questions for the ACT is also more student friendly. The ACT may sense that it didn’t go far enough by simply offering its exam online.
Yes, The New SAT is Shorter But It’s Also More Difficult.
Because students have more time to answer, SAT developers are known to include sometimes unfamiliar approaches to testing concepts. Test-takers may find the question formats different from what they’re used to in the school setting.
In addition, while all ACT questions are weighted equally – that is, the easiest question is worth just as much as the most difficult question – the new SAT includes questions whose worth varies. Some questions count for nothing; others are more heavily weighted.
What Does This Mean For My Student?
While the SAT has always been popular on the national level, Minnesota students have largely preferred the ACT – until now. The appeal of the SAT’s digital format had our state’s students scrambling to find seats at SAT sites last spring, and often being disappointed with the lack of availability due to the sudden increase in demand.
SAT availability is still not on par with the ACT, so if timing is important, the ACT may be your best option. And we’re hopeful that the ACT is on its way to creating an exam that is just as appealing as the new SAT. As always, we’re here to help you assess the current state of this ever-changing landscape to help you find the best option.
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