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SAT or ACT ?
At competitive high schools like Stuyvesant in New York City, it’s common for students to excel on standardized tests such as the SAT and ACT. With the ACT recently announcing changes to its test structure and score breakdown for 2025, it’s essential to understand how these updates may impact test-takers.
So, how does ACT work?
The ACT has traditionally consisted of four sections—English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science—each scored on a scale of 1 to 36, with a composite score reflecting the average.
While the details of the 2025 changes are still emerging, updates like these are typically designed to better align the test with current educational standards and college readiness benchmarks.
Optional Science Section
The ACT has allowed for the science section to no longer be mandated in a composite score breakdown and has shifted it to an optional model. The new ACT Composite scores will now be calculated using just the EMR (English, Math, and Reading) Sections. The science section, along with the writing section, can be added depending on the student’s request.
This grants students the flexibility to choose which sections reflect their competencies best. For instance, if a student is applying for an engineering degree, it would benefit them to take the ACT with the science section to showcase their talents in STEM.
Score Breakdown
Because the Science section is no longer part of the composite score, the ACT has divided up scores to either be ELA or STEM.
Students who choose to take:
- the science section will receive a STEM score (Math + Science)
- the writing section will receive an ELA score (English + Reading + Writing)
- both Science and Writing will receive both STEM and ELA scores
All students who test for the ACT will receive their Composite Exam score regardless of which section they choose to add. Individual science & STEM scores will continue to be reported for students who choose to take the science section but not included in Composite score calculations
Shorter Exam Time
Initially what was a 3 hours and 15 minute exam, the ACT has now been reduced to a 2 hour and 5 minute exam (without counting the science section) The mandated section times have each been reduced to
- English: 75 Q / 45 Min -> 50 Q / 35 Min
- Math: 60 Q / 60 Min -> 45 Q / 50 Min
- Reading: 40 Q / 35 Min -> 36 Q / 40 Min
This means that the student experiences more time per question.
For those who decide to take the science section, the change is listed as follows:
- Science: 40 Q / 35 min -> 40 Q / 40 Min
The essay portion remains the same with 1 Writing prompt taking 40 minutes.
Sectional changes
The Math section shifted from a 5 answer choice model to a 4 choice answer model. Additionally, English and Reading sections have shorter passages alongside their questions.
ACT vs SAT?
With a shorter test and the removal of a mandatory science section, the test has become similar to SAT Structure. However, there are still key differences that may impact a student’s choice to take one exam over the other.
- Paper option available: digital testing is not mandatory and students can choose to take a written test on paper
- The ACT remains a streamlined, non adaptive exam, meaning that the content of questions will not increase in difficulty as the SAT does.
- Tailored testing experience: For students who lean more verbally or mathematically, the ACT is a chance to emphasize their testing strengths more without emphasizing their weaknesses.
What does this mean for us?
At Kent Prep, students begin their PSAT preparation at the start of 8th grade. This early start helps them build a strong foundation in content knowledge and develop an advanced understanding of the subject matter. Mastering fundamental skills in reading, grammar, and math—which may not be taught until 10th grade in some high schools—is crucial for achieving top scores, such as a 1500+ on the SAT or a 35+ on the ACT.
Once students have mastered the necessary skills, the next step is determining which test—the SAT or ACT—best suits their strengths. While both exams cover similar content, they differ in format and structure.
With the upcoming changes to the ACT, we will provide students with opportunities to take practice tests, allowing them to assess which exam aligns better with their abilities and test-taking style. By this stage, students will have developed the awareness and confidence needed to approach either test strategically, maximizing their scores while saving valuable time and energy. This ensures they achieve their personal best, positioning them for success in the college admissions process.
If you would like to speak with a Kent Prep consultant about exam preparation, please fill out the inquiry form. We offer complimentary teleconferences for parents worldwide, providing personalized consultations available from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM EST.
5 Study Strategies for Mastering Statewide Exams
Exams can be intimidating, but with the right strategies, you can conquer them with confidence- even from the third grade! We will share some tips that’ll pave your way to success in statewide exams. No matter your starting point, these methods can help fine-tune your study skills and prepare you for top performance on exam day.
1. Creating a Study Schedule
Organize your time with a solid study schedule. Allocating specific time slots for each subject helps maintain discipline and ensures you cover all necessary material. Kent utilizes a reliable curriculum that encompasses all subjects on standardized tests. By doing this, you’re not just prepping academically, but mentally conditioning yourself to handle the workload.
Flexibility is key; life is unpredictable, and your schedule should adapt to it. If you ever miss a class or cannot attend a session, we will provide the work for that missing day in advance or provide it for you when requested. Consistency fosters efficiency, and soon enough, adhering to your schedule will become second nature, leading you seamlessly towards success.
2. Choosing the Best Study Environment
Your environment plays a crucial role in how well you study. Find a quiet, distraction-free, supportive zone to enhance concentration and productivity. When in a learning environment, the people you surround yourself with are integral to your motivation. Identify a place where you feel comfortable and alert, away from distractions like the television or a bustling household.
Lighting is another vital aspect; a well-lit room reduces eye strain and keeps you energized. Make sure your study tools are within reach, creating a seamless workflow. Personalize your space with motivational quotes or photos that inspire you—these subtle cues can elevate your motivation and enrich your study sessions.
3. Using Practice Tests Effectively
Practice tests mimic the exam scenario, helping you gauge your preparedness and identify areas needing improvement. Regularly testing yourself can boost confidence and competency. When possible, time yourself to get accustomed to the exam’s pace, hiring that sense of pressure useful in real test situations.
Analyze each practice test comprehensively. Are you repeatedly struggling in a specific area? Seek help in those topics—Our teachers and staff are ready to support you in the areas you are lacking. Each short test is a stepping-stone toward the exam; view them as opportunities for growth rather than daunting hurdles.
Check out 14 Tips for Test Taking Success for more strategies on maximizing your potential with practice exams and beyond.
4. Keeping a Positive Mindset
A positive attitude goes a long way in ensuring success. Believe in your capabilities and use positive affirmations to maintain morale. Ever tried starting your day with a powerful mantra? These simple rituals have the potential to encourage and motivate, turning self-doubt into determined efforts.
When faced with challenges, reframe negatives into learning opportunities. A setback isn’t a failure, but a lesson on how to better approach the next hurdle. With every problem, carries a path to improvement—find it, and let your positivity guide your efforts towards acing those exams.
5. Embracing Technology
Leverage technology through educational apps and online resources. Our classrooms are all equipped with screens, tablets, and zoom calling capabilities. These tools provide a diverse range of learning modalities to reinforce knowledge and allow for our teachers to be creative and flexible. Interactive platforms can amplify engagement, offering quizzes, flashcards, and adaptive learning models tailored to fit individual pacing and learning preferences.
Explore different platforms and resources to bring synergy to the conventional study method. A blend of traditional and digital integration ensures a well-rounded preparation process, aligning with modern learning environments.
10 Steps to acing the digital SAT
Feeling anxious about the Digital SATs?
We conducted a comparative analysis of the 2023 paper-based SAT scores versus the digital SAT scores from our top-performing students in NYC. It appears that the transition to the digital format has led to some noticeable shifts in how even the best test takers approach the exam. With the new algorithm-driven Module 2 questions, which adjust based on a student’s performance and increase in difficulty, it’s clear why even top performers at Kent Prep are finding the test somewhat more challenging.
This change in the format can have a few implications:
- Higher difficulty level: As you mentioned, the digital test presents harder questions if the student is performing well, which can impact time management and make it harder to score perfectly.
- Time pressure: With more challenging questions, the pressure to complete them in the allotted time can be overwhelming, especially as the test adapts based on prior answers.
- Strategy adjustments: High-performing students may need to adapt their test-taking strategies, perhaps by pacing themselves differently or focusing more on accuracy early on to avoid more difficult questions they may not have time to complete.
Here are the 10 steps to acing the digital SAT from Kent Prefects who scored above 1520 with the digital SAT in year 2024:
1. Building a Strong Foundation – Start in 8th grade by reading voraciously and building vocabulary and speed reading skills before entering high school.
2. Developing Effective Study Habits – In 9th grade, focus on reading all literature, social science, humanities, philosophy, and natural science passages for comprehension. Master Algebra II and Trigonometry skills before diving into intensive test prep.
3. Strengthening Critical Thinking Skills – It’s important to understand the purpose of a passage and what the author is trying to convey. Developing discernment and forming your own opinions help cultivate critical thinking skills.
4. Boosting Subject-Specific Knowledge – Solve word problems using shortcuts and accuracy. Master the necessary skills first before tackling the SAT problems.
5. Increasing Familiarity with the Test Format – Practice with shorter tests to familiarize yourself with the answer choices. The format remains the same across all six exams.
6. Mastering Test-Taking Strategies – Familiarize yourself with test-taking strategies and practice until you achieve perfection.
7. Enhancing Time Management Skills – Speed is crucial on the digital SAT! Practice pacing yourself on each question and find strategies to save time on more time-consuming problems.
8. Take 10 full Practice Mock Exams – Take the test in a quiet, simulated environment to assess your comfort level and help alleviate test anxiety.
9. Receiving Personalized Feedback – Consult with an SAT expert to identify areas for improvement on your next mock exam. Set incremental goals and strive to surpass your own scores!
10. Practice with intention until your actual SAT test date! Walk into SAT with full confidence, knowing you’ve done your homework. Confidence will boost your stamina and energy, giving you the razor-sharp focus needed to execute with precision and accuracy!
