The SAT vs. the ACT vs. the New ACT
What are the differences and what do we recommend?
With the SAT constantly adapting, the ACT changing later this year, and endless specifics to consider for each test, many families are feeling overwhelmed.
We’ve put together a comparative guide to help you better understand the differences between the current SAT & ACT and the new ACT, rolling out in September of 2025 for the paper test. Keep reading for our recommendations for our students, organized by grade:
The SAT
This version of the SAT is still new. Its unpredictability is showing up in the types of math content tested (our tutors say the December test had increasingly difficult content included) as well as the changing practice tests on the College Board Bluebook app. It's also important to consider the multistage adaptive nature. Students complete module 1 and then are routed into an easier or more difficult module 2, which will affect their score range.
The SAT tends to be best for kids who love their Exeter Math class and love to puzzle out their answers, but we don’t love the still changing nature of this test.
The Old ACT
The test is very predictable at this point. There is a ton of material available to prep over a longer period of time, which is great for our kids wanting to slowly ramp up their prep. This test is tough for our kids because of timing, particularly on the reading and science sections, and the curve on the science is especially tough.
The New ACT
Only one official test has been released so far by the ACT, so the jury is still out, BUT the new ACT looks similar to the old version of the ACT in terms of content.
The changes look positive to us: a shortened test overall with a little bit more time per question, more medium level questions on the math, and some nice tweaks on the English section to prompt students to look for grammar vs. style question types. We think this test may be great for all kinds of kids, but there are always fewer materials for new versions of a test!
Our Recommendations by Grade
Current Seniors
You’re all set–whoo hoo! Please let us know when you’ve heard back from colleges so we can send you a little gift. We hope you are proud of everything you’ve accomplished.
Current Juniors
If you chose the SAT, keep going! Nothing is changing, per se, this year, though our tutors have noted slight adaptations.
If you chose the ACT, you have until September to nail your goals on the current ACT. After that, you’ll need to adapt to the new ACT, which is different, but minimally so. We will help our current Juniors make decisions this summer about September/October 2025 testing.
Current Sophmores
It’s time to start thinking about SAT and ACT diagnostics! You’ll be trying out both tests as you decide which to pursue. The ACT will be releasing more materials soon, as will our friends at Test Innovators. If you choose ACT, you will have access to new-format practice tests later in your program, and until then the current ACT test material will continue to prepare our students extremely well for the new version of the test.
Current Freshmen
Stay focused on your academics and on finding and continuing with extracurricular activities about which you are passionate. If you’re struggling in any academic area, reach out early and often so that we can help. Not only do colleges look at 9th grade transcripts, but your work in 9th grade is the foundation for all that comes next. Too often, students come to us too late in the process, hoping that high scores will offset mediocre grades–it doesn’t work!
Have questions about the upcoming changes to the ACT? Want to schedule diagnostics for your child? Click below to get started with a free intake call with our team!
