SAT Prep, SAT Math, SAT, SAT Writing, Taking ACT and SAT
Michael Oliver
Exploring the New Digital SAT: A Comprehensive ...

For almost 50 years, the SAT has played a pivotal role in the college admissions process. The upcoming transition from the traditional paper-and-pencil format to a digital, adaptive SAT marks one of the most significant changes since its inception in 1926. The Class of 2025 will be the first cohort of U.S. students to undergo both the PSAT and SAT in a digital, adaptive format.

Exploring the New Digital SAT: A Comprehensive Guide
College, College Search
Michael Oliver
11 Colleges Where Early Applicants Gain an Edge

Early acceptance rates at these institutions showed a significant advantage over regular decision rates, according to U.S. News data. Though crafting a standout college application can be a time-consuming and stressful process, submitting an application in the fall, well before the typical winter deadline for regular admissions, is possible.Read on to find out more.

11 Colleges Where Early Applicants Gain an Edge
ACT, ACT English, ACT Math, ACT Math Scores, ACT Math Tips, ACT Science, ACT Strategies, ACT Prep, ACT Writing
Michael Oliver
Register now for the February ACT!

Starting in September 2020, the ACT test will offer new options that are designed to give students more choices and more confidence that scores will reflect overall academic achievement and potential. These new enhancements include: section retesting, superscoring, and faster results with online testing! Our recommendation? Take the ACT in February so you can take advantage of all the new options this fall. Don’t wait until September to start uncovering your path to success with ACT.

Register now for the February ACT!

ACT changes

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ACT Announces Changes to Score Reports

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Writing Test

Starting with the September 10th ACT test, the writing test score will be on a 2–12 score range. This will have changed from the previous 1-36 scale. The remaining sections, English, math, reading, and science will continue to use the 1-36 scale. The newly created scale for the writing test has been designed to be less confusing for both students and parents. The format of the writing test remains unchanged and the section is still optional. The student essays will still be scored by two independent readers, using the same rubric to grade on four domains: ideas and analysis, development and support, organization, and language use and conventions. 

Enhanced Reporting

The ACT score reports are being redesigned to look more attractive and be easier to navigate. Click here to view a sample new ACT score report. The new reports will be used for the September 10th test. These updates include:

  • An in-depth set of reporting criteria that will replace subject test subscores 
  • ACT readiness will help students understand what they need to work on 
  • Utilizing more graphics to help understand visual elements and indicators in order to clearly see the student's performance 
  • ACT STEM college readiness benchmark, which highlights the potential for success in STEM related college classes
  • The interest-major fit level score, will depict whether students’ interests coincide with their college major 
  • Career connector, which highlights students’ work-related interests and reveals career paths

Interested in taking an ACT practice test? Contact us to learn more. 

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ACT Changes

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The ACT has released a new practice test. Please email us for a copy. The changes aren't as significant as the SAT. You should get to know some of the updates:

SCIENCE

On the redesigned science section, there will be 6-8 conflicting viewpoint questions (there is usually 7), 12-16 data representation questions (there is usually 15), and 18-22 research summary questions (there is usually 18).

READING

Timing is still 35 minutes and there are still four passages (prose fiction, social science, humanities, and natural science - follows this order). There are 10 questions for a total of 40. The ACT introduced two short passages that address similar topics. The first questions are geared to the first passage.  The second set pairs to the second passage. The third will address both passages. 

ESSAY

The essay has changed dramatically. The essay section will now be 40 minutes instead of 30 minutes. It will still be optional and the essay score is not incorporated into the student’s overall composite score. The information in the prompt will be incorporated into the student's response. The scoring of the essay will also go through a change. 

The essay will have students evaluate various arguments, analyze evidence, and work to spark the student’s own ideas. They will be asked to review three opinions on an issue and develop an argument. Students analyze different points of view that are presented. Essays will now be scored in each of four categories:  organization, development and support, ideas and analysis, language use and conventions. Two different readers score the essay in the four categories on a 1-6 scale. Students will receive a score of 2-12 based upon these four categories. The score will be translated into a 1-36 scale. This changes from the old 2-12 scale.

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