The Countdown Is On: Your Guide to Mastering the Current ACT Test Before It’s Gone!

The ACT exam is on the brink of significant transformation. After the April 2025 test date, students will be sitting for a completely different ACT format—digital, shorter, and with an optional Science Reasoning section. These sweeping changes bring both challenges and opportunities for students currently preparing for their college entrance exams. In this unique school year, understanding the timeline and preparation strategy is crucial for students wanting to perform their best.

You Have to Plan Ahead!

The April Test Must Your Last, Not Your First.

For years, education experts, tutors, and even ACT Inc.'s own data have recommended that students take the ACT at least twice, and ideally three times. This poses a particular challenge this year. April must be your last test in order to avoid having to prepare for the current format and then needing to take additional tries with the new one.

• Multiple attempts improve scores: There is a strong case for this recommendation: about 70% of students improve their scores on subsequent test attempts.
• Repeating the test allows students to become more comfortable with the testing environment and format, build confidence, and refine their strategies based on their previous performance.
• Given the upcoming changes to the ACT format, the importance of multiple test attempts becomes even more apparent.
• Current juniors who want to sit for the current form of the test should plan their test-taking timeline with these changes in mind, aiming to take the test two or three times before the April 2025 transition.
  

The Optimal Timeline

With the ACT transitioning to a new format in April 2025, it’s important for current juniors to create a solid timeline for their test-taking strategy. We suggest: 

1. Starting with the December 2024 ACT test date for the first attempt.

2. Planning for the February 2025 ACT as the second attempt.

3. Scheduling the April 2025 ACT as the third and final attempt under the current format.

This timeline ensures that students have multiple opportunities to improve their scores while taking advantage of the familiar version of the ACT. Waiting until after April 2025 means facing a brand-new format, which could potentially pose a different set of challenges, especially if students are already accustomed to the existing test structure.

How Long Does It Take to Prepare for the ACT?

To perform well on any standardized test, preparation is key. On average, students need 3-4 months to properly prepare for the ACT. Whether studying independently, enrolling in a class, or working with a private ACT Test prep tutor, most students typically invest 12-15 weeks into studying and practicing for the test. This time frame allows students to familiarize themselves with the test format, practice key skills, and gradually improve their performance through targeted practice.

This preparation timeline is crucial for students aiming to maximize their scores before the ACT undergoes its upcoming changes. For those who want to sit for the current version of the test, now is the time to develop and implement a preparation plan.

The New ACT Format: What’s Changing?

The upcoming changes to the ACT will be substantial. Starting after the April 2025 ACT Test, the ACT will be fully digital and will see a notable reduction in its duration, becoming an hour shorter than its current version. One of the most prominent changes is the transition of the Science Reasoning section to an optional part of the test. These adjustments mean that the overall test-taking experience and strategy for students will be different from what we’ve known for years.

For students, especially current juniors, who are already familiar with the existing ACT format and aiming to maximize their scores, it’s essential to be aware of these changes. If they want to avoid taking the redesigned version of the test, they must plan their test-taking schedule accordingly.

The SAT: A Viable Alternative

For students who feel unsure about the ACT or find themselves struggling to fit the current ACT timeline into their schedules, there's an alternative: the SAT. Here are some reasons why. 

• The SAT moved to a digital format with a modified structure over a year ago.
• The new SAT has had time to become well-established, and experts—including those at The House—are fully equipped to help students navigate the changes and improve their scores.
• The SAT may be an ideal option for students who want to avoid the last-minute rush to prepare for a changing ACT.
• Since the new SAT format has already been implemented and is stable, students can work with SAT tutors who are already experienced in helping students adapt to its new structure. This offers a more predictable path compared to the upcoming changes to the ACT.

The Importance of a Diagnostic Test

With both the ACT and SAT undergoing changes, it’s more important than ever for students to make an informed decision about which test is the best fit for them. The best way to decide whether to rush to take the ACT or opt for the SAT is to take a proctored diagnostic test for each.

At The House Tutoring Lounge, we offer:

• Complementary proctored diagnostic tests for both the ACT and SAT. 
• Comprehensive reports that break down your student’s performance.
• Free consultation to review the results and provide personalized guidance.
• Our goal is to help students determine which test best aligns with their strengths and test-taking style.
• This approach gives students a clear understanding of their potential performance, allowing for an informed decision on their preparation path.
  
  You can sign up here.
  

Final Thoughts:

A Unique School Year for College Entrance Exams

This year is truly unique for college-bound students. The time constraints surrounding the decision of whether to take the ACT or SAT have never been as pressing as they are now. Historically, about half of all students opt for the ACT over the SAT, often because they find the ACT more comfortable or better suited to their strengths. However, with the ACT undergoing major changes in a short period, students must act quickly to determine which path is right for them.

For students considering the ACT, now is the time to decide. Don't run out of time to take the ACT in its current format. By taking diagnostic tests, developing a clear timeline, and planning for multiple attempts, students can set themselves up for success in this pivotal year for college entrance exams.

At The House, we’re here to support you every step of the way—whether that’s through offering diagnostic tests, providing tutoring support, or guiding you through this unique and evolving testing landscape. Get started today, and make sure your student doesn’t miss their opportunity to achieve their best possible score.