SAT or ACT? Best Testing Options for the Class of 2027 & 2028

For today’s juniors (Class of 2027) and sophomores (Class of 2028), spring testing remains the most common, and often most strategic, time to take the SAT or ACT. While recent changes to standardized testing have created confusion for some families, the landscape is now far clearer than it was even a year ago. 

The goal for families at this stage is not to chase trends, but to choose the test that offers the clearest path, strongest preparation support, and least uncertainty for their student. 

Below is a practical, parent-focused breakdown of the best testing options for the Class of 2027 and 2028. 

What a Strong Testing Plan Should Include

Before choosing between the SAT and ACT, families should ensure their student’s testing plan includes: 

• Baseline diagnostics to identify whether the SAT or ACT is the better fit 
• At least one retest opportunity to allow for superscoring 
• Adequate preparation time, aligned with school workload and extracurriculars 
• Reliable, high-quality practice materials that match the official test format 
• Scores that are clearly understood and widely accepted by colleges 

With these criteria in mind, let’s look at the two options students are choosing between today. 

The Current Testing Landscape (January 2026) 

Students in the Class of 2027 and 2028 are choosing between:

• The Digital SAT 
• The New ACT (now fully implemented) 

There is no longer a “transition year.” Both tests are live, operational, and accepted by colleges. 

Option 1: The Digital SAT

The digital SAT is now fully established and stable. It is the same test students will take nationwide, whether testing on a national weekend or during School Day administrations. 

Why Many Families Are Choosing the SAT 

• Consistent format across all test dates 
• Shorter testing time compared to the ACT 
• Fully digital, with built-in tools and calculator access 
• Abundant official practice materials from College Board 
• Clear alignment with PSAT results, which many students already have 

For juniors and sophomores, the PSAT provides a meaningful starting point. Students can use those results as a true diagnostic, then prepare for the SAT knowing the structure and content will remain consistent.  

SAT preparation is also highly transferable. Skills developed for spring testing remain relevant for summer or fall retakes without needing to adjust to format changes. 

When the SAT Is Often the Best Choice 

• Students who prefer reading-focused questions over speed-heavy pacing 
• Students who benefit from adaptive testing 
• Families seeking the least logistical complexity 
• Students planning spring testing with potential fall retakes 

Option 2: The New ACT 

The new ACT is now the only ACT offered. It is shorter than the previous version and is administered digitally at approved testing centers.

What Parents Should Know About the ACT Today 

• The ACT now consists of English, Math, and Reading 
• The Science section is optional 
• Composite scores are calculated without Science 
• Digital testing requires center-provided computers 
• Practice materials exist, but are less plentiful than SAT resources 

While the ACT remains a valid and respected option, families should understand that college interpretation of optional Science is still evolving. For this reason, many advisors—including The House—recommend that students take the Science section if they choose the ACT, particularly if STEM programs may be in their future. 

When the ACT Makes Sense

• Students who historically perform better on ACT-style questions
• Students who are very comfortable with faster pacing
• Students who prefer clear-cut grammar and math questions
• Students with strong data interpretation skills 

Preparation for the ACT still requires careful planning, especially because testing locations and availability can vary more than with the SAT. 

SAT vs. ACT: A Practical Comparison for 2027 & 2028 

A Note on Spring Testing 

For both juniors and sophomores, spring testing offers several advantages: 

• Academic content is fresh 
• There is time for summer improvement or retesting 
• Scores are available well before fall planning 
• Testing does not collide with senior-year application pressure 

Spring is not about locking in a final score, it’s about gathering information and creating options. 

Final Guidance for Families 

• The SAT currently offers the clearest, most predictable path 
• The ACT remains appropriate for students who clearly prefer it, but requires more intentional planning 
• Diagnostics should drive the decision, not peer choices or school trends 

At The House Tutoring & Test Prep, we strongly encourage families to start with objective data, build a low-stress testing timeline, and avoid unnecessary uncertainty. 

Spring testing should feel planned and supported, not rushed or reactive. 

If you’d like help evaluating which test fits your student best, or building a preparation plan that works with your family’s schedule, our team is always happy to help. You can also schedule a free diagnostic or assessment with us to be well-prepared.