Starting in April of this year, the ACT started to roll out new changes to the testing method as well as the test itself. The changes to the test may put students who lack access to the SAT at a disadvantage, particularly if the ACT’s reputation is being affected by these updates.
The new version of the test aims to create a more flexible and less stressful exam that provides students more control over their testing experience. The incoming changes are based on feedback from previous test takers, educators and test proctors.
Many ACT takers may remember the required survey at the end of the test. While oftentimes viewed as frustrating to have to do after the strenuous test, it is notable that ACT actually modified the test off of the responses. Yet, many of these test takers who completed the survey will not actually benefit from the modifications. “I took the test my sophomore year and I remember having to take that survey after the excruciatingly long test. I am glad to know they actually took the responses into account, but it is frustrating knowing I won’t actually benefit from those changes,” senior Abby Rogers said.
All tests after April of 2025 will be primarily taken online, a major change from the traditional paper format of the test. Paper test taking options will still be available but will be progressively phased out. Iowa students have previously seen this online test taking format in statewide assessments such as ISASPs and MAP testing. While this may be more efficient for the testing companies, it may not be optimal for students. “Personally, I am incredibly grateful I didn’t have to take the test online. Digitalized testing may allow for easier scoring and such but I feel that the mental strain it takes to stare at a screen for that long isn’t worth it,” Rogers added.
Subsequently, the testing time and number of questions will both be reduced, allocating more time to each question. One of students’ most common complaints with the ACT was the pacing of the test. Allowing more time per question will help to alleviate this and allow students to perform their best. “I remember my biggest challenge while taking the test was the timing component. In a lot of ways I think the test was more strategic than actual intelect based. I am glad they are allocating more time per question as I think that will allow students to perform their best,” senior Hannah Horsefield said.
The last major changes to the test come in the science and math sections. The science section will now become optional just as the writing section has been for some time now. Composite scores will only consist of reading, math and english. Additionally, the number of answer choices in the math section will be reduced from five to four.
While the changes will enhance the test taking experience for students, there are concerns that the changes will cause the test to be perceived as “easier” and therefore inferior to the SAT. This won’t become an issue for students who have easy access to both tests, but for students in southeast Iowa, that isn’t quite the case. Due to the lack of SAT access in this region, students may be at a disadvantage for college admissions.
Overall, the test taking experience will now aim to help empower students as they tackle standardized testing but consequently may degrade the reputation of the test and scores.
