TEST PREP HQ
YOUR EXPERT GUIDE TO
NAVIGATING ACT AND SAT PREP
YOUR EXPERT GUIDE TO NAVIGATING ACT AND SAT PREP
YOUR EXPERT GUIDE TO NAVIGATING ACT AND SAT PREP
Discover the latest changes, essential comparisons, and expert insights on the ACT and SAT for 2025 - 2026.
Discover the latest changes, essential comparisons, and expert insights on the ACT and SAT for 2025 - 2026.
KEY INSIGHTS
KEY INSIGHTS
The ACT vs. SAT Differences
Enhanced ACT
Enhanced ACT
Enhanced ACT
Pencil-and-Paper OR Digital
3 SECTIONS
3 SECTIONS
3 SECTIONS
English (Grammar)
English (Grammar)
English (Grammar)
Math (Up to Pre Calc)
Math (Up to Pre Calc)
Math (Up to Pre Calc)
Reading (Long Passages)
Reading (Long Passages)
Reading (Long Passages)
Science (Optional)
Science (Optional)
Science (Optional)
Essay (Optional)
Essay (Optional)
Essay (Optional)
Duration
2.5 Hours
SAT
Digital Only
2 SECTIONS
2 SECTIONS
2 SECTIONS
Reading and Writing
Reading and Writing
Reading and Writing
Math (Up to Trigonometry)
Math (Up to Trigonometry)
Math (Up to Trigonometry)
First module of each section
is the same for everyone
First module of each section
is the same for everyone
First module of each section
is the same for everyone
Second module of each
section is ADAPTIVE
Second module of each
section is ADAPTIVE
Second module of each
section is ADAPTIVE
Duration
2.5 Hours
What every parents should know?
Discover which test is right for your child, explore key similarities, and see how test scores can unlock powerful opportunities for college admissions and scholarships.
What every parents should know?
Discover which test is right for your child, explore key similarities, and see how test scores can unlock powerful opportunities for college admissions and scholarships.
What every parents should know?
Discover which test is right for your child, explore key similarities, and see how test scores can unlock powerful opportunities for college admissions and scholarships.
In Illinois, public high school students must take the ACT as part of their graduation requirements.
In Illinois, public high school students must take the ACT as part of their graduation requirements.
Both the ACT and SAT cover similar content areas and require comparable strategies for success. Colleges do not have a preference between ACT or SAT scores—either can be submitted.
Both the ACT and SAT cover similar content areas and require comparable strategies for success. Colleges do not have a preference between ACT or SAT scores—either can be submitted.
Submitting your test scores can be one of the easiest ways to qualify for scholarships, potentially opening doors to financial aid opportunities.
Submitting your test scores can be one of the easiest ways to qualify for scholarships, potentially opening doors to financial aid opportunities.
While some schools still require standardized test scores, many have moved to test-optional policies, and a few no longer consider scores at all. Since these policies can change, staying informed is key.
While some schools still require standardized test scores, many have moved to test-optional policies, and a few no longer consider scores at all. Since these policies can change, staying informed is key.
Strong test scores can be an effective way to distinguish your child from other applicants, providing an advantage in the competitive college admissions process.
Strong test scores can be an effective way to distinguish your child from other applicants, providing an advantage in the competitive college admissions process.
Strong test scores can be an effective way to distinguish your child from other applicants, providing an advantage in the competitive college admissions process.
PROS and CONS
PROS and CONS
Discover the key factors that can help you decide which test aligns best with your child’s strengths and goals.
Discover the key factors that can help you decide which test aligns best with your child’s strengths and goals.
Discover the key factors that can help you decide which test aligns best with your child’s strengths and goals.
ACT
PROS
More Direct
Questions feel very straight-forward
Easier to Read
The average reading passage grade
level is 11.5
More Questions
More questions mean more
opportunities to earn points.
CONS
Higher Level of Math
Consists of math problems up through
pre-calculus
Science Section
This section is now optional and requires
an additional fee to include
New Format
Fewer available practice resources make it harder for students to prepare effectively
ACT
PROS
More Direct
Questions feel very straight-forward
Easier to Read
The average reading passage grade
level is 11.5
More Questions
More questions mean more
opportunities to earn points.
CONS
Higher Level of Math
Consists of math problems up through
pre-calculus
Science Section
This section is now optional and requires
an additional fee to include
New Format
Fewer available practice resources make it harder for students to prepare effectively
ACT
PROS
More Direct
Questions feel very straight-forward
Easier to Read
The average reading passage grade
level is 11.5
More Questions
More questions mean more
opportunities to earn points.
CONS
Higher Level of Math
Consists of math problems up through
pre-calculus
Science Section
This section is now optional and requires
an additional fee to include
New Format
Fewer available practice resources make it harder for students to prepare effectively
ACT Format & Scoring Considerations
ACT Format & Scoring Considerations
ACT Format & Scoring Considerations
Scoring can vary slightly by test format
Scoring can vary slightly by test format
Scoring can vary slightly by test format
Paper and digital versions of the ACT use the same questions, but raw scores may be converted differently depending on format. This means section scores can occasionally shift by 1–2 points, even with identical performance.
This doesn’t make one version “better,” but it does mean format choice and format-specific practice matter.
Paper and digital versions of the ACT use the same questions, but raw scores may be converted differently depending on format. This means section scores can occasionally shift by 1–2 points, even with identical performance. This doesn’t make one version “better,” but it does mean format choice and format-specific practice matter.
Paper and digital versions of the ACT use the same questions, but raw scores may be converted differently depending on format. This means section scores can occasionally shift by 1–2 points, even with identical performance. This doesn’t make one version “better,” but it does mean format choice and format-specific practice matter.
What's New?
What's New?
What's New?
Get the latest information on changes, updates and new developments for the upcoming test season
Get the latest information on changes, updates and new developments for the upcoming test season
Get the latest information on changes, updates and new developments for the upcoming test season
Switch to the ACT!
Starting in 2025, Illinois public school students must take the ACT to graduate.
The ACT will be provided free of charge during the spring of their junior year.
This shift simplifies the graduation process and ensures consistency for all students.
What About the
PSAT/NMSQT?
Juniors can still take the PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT) in the fall to qualify for National Merit Scholarships and other academic recognition.
This exam provides valuable scholarship opportunities and serves as excellent preparation for future standardized tests like the SAT.
2025-2026 UPDATES
Starting in September 2025, the ACT is offered in two shorter formats: digital and revised pencil-and-paper.
The ACT can be taken on paper or digitally. Both formats use the same test content, but the testing experience and scoring conversions may vary slightly by format.
The SAT is digital only and uses adaptive scoring.
Get Expert Insights on
the ACT & SAT
Get Expert Insights on
the ACT & SAT
Enter your details to watch the recorded webinar
and discover the latest updates, test comparisons,
and a step-by-step guide for success.
Enter your details to watch the recorded webinar and discover the latest updates, test comparisons, and a step-by-step guide for success.
Stay Ahead of the Test Prep Curve
Stay Ahead of the Test Prep Curve
Get expert ACT/SAT updates, strategy tips, timelines, and parent guidance — straight to your inbox.
Get expert ACT/SAT updates, strategy tips, timelines, and parent guidance — straight to your inbox.
