As summer ends, many students are beginning their standardized test preparation, choosing between the SAT and ACT. Since the SAT went digital, I've noticed a surge in students opting for it—many without even taking diagnostic tests. This is a significant mistake for many.

Diagnostic Testing Matters

Choosing the right test is crucial for successful preparation. While the SAT and ACT share similarities, students often perform better on one due to differences in format, pacing, and content.

Diagnostic Testing is Quick and Valuable

Investing a few hours in diagnostic testing (less than 3 hours for a combo test or about 5 hours for separate full-length tests) can provide essential insights into which test suits you best.

Choosing the Wrong Test is Costly

This year, I've seen a record number of students switch from the SAT to the ACT after realizing the SAT wasn’t right for them. Starting with the wrong test wastes time, money, and effort.

The ACT's Advantage

Currently, the...

The ACT has announced significant changes to its testing format, offering students the option to take the exam digitally. This shift will eventually make the test permanently shorter and slower-paced. Here are the key highlights of these changes:

Upcoming Changes:

• April 2025: Students can opt for the new version of the digital ACT on national test dates.
• The digital test will be shorter and will exclude the science section from the composite score.
• The science section will be optional
• April 2025 to September 2025: Students will have the choice between the new digital test and the current paper version of the test.
• September 2025: Both the digital and paper versions will transition to the newer format
• The ACT will continue to offer both digital and paper formats of the new test

What Isn’t Changing?

• The scoring scale will remain the same, ranging from 1 to 36.
• The writing (essay) section will remain optional.
• The core content of the exam will remain substantially unchanged.
• ...

Every year since it’s been in existence, the August SAT date fills up extremely quickly in many areas. It’s important to act quickly to secure a spot (October may fill up quickly as well).

Why does it fill up so quickly?

I assume the reason is the scarcity of testing centers. I suspect schools do not want to open their doors in August, before school officially begins in many areas.

When does registration open up?

The College Board does not tell us, and it’s not an easily predictable date. Last year was the earliest so far, in mid-May.

What can I do to secure my spot?

I recommend frequently checking the registration page, beginning now (at least once per day). Make sure your details are already filled out in your account, so you don’t take too long during registration (and risk losing your spot). You can skip all of the optional questions asking about academic history. Here is the registration page: https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/sat/dates-deadlines

Once...