12 Oct Navigating Standardized Testing in 2025: What Students and Families Need to Know

Standardized testing continues to evolve, and for the class of 2026 and beyond, staying on top of changes is crucial. While many colleges remain test-optional, some of the nation’s most selective universities are once again requiring or strongly recommending test scores. At the same time, both the SAT and ACT have undergone significant updates that affect how students should prepare.

The Digital SAT

In 2024, the SAT transitioned fully to a digital format. Key features of the new exam include:

• Shorter length: The test is about two hours, compared to the old three-hour paper format.
• Section-adaptive design: Each subject (Reading & Writing, Math) is divided into two modules. A student’s performance on the first module determines the difficulty level of the second. Unlike the GRE, the SAT does not adapt after each question—only between modules.
• Faster score reporting: Results are typically available within days instead of weeks.

While the skills tested remain largely the same—reading, writing, and math—the digital format requires new strategies. Students should become familiar with the Bluebook app and practice in a digital environment rather than relying solely on paper prep.

The Enhanced ACT

The ACT has also introduced changes. As of 2025, the science section is optional and no longer counted in the composite score. Students may still take it—and in fact should—since many colleges have not yet clarified whether they will require or expect science scores. The ACT is now available in both paper and digital formats, but the content and structure remain consistent across both.

This streamlined version makes the ACT slightly shorter, but families should watch closely for updates from individual colleges regarding whether they expect students to include the science score.

The Return of Testing at Selective Colleges

Although test-optional policies expanded significantly during the pandemic, a growing number of highly selective institutions (including Dartmouth, Harvard, and MIT) have reinstated test requirements, citing research that scores provide useful context for evaluating academic preparation. Others (such as Yale) have adopted “test-flexible” policies, allowing students to submit AP scores in place of the SAT or ACT.  And some colleges are “test preferred,” encouraging but not mandating submission.

The landscape remains varied, but the trend suggests that students applying to the most competitive colleges will likely need strong SAT or ACT scores. For this reason, every student should have a test prep plan, even if they ultimately decide not to submit scores.

Creating a Smart Test Prep Plan

The first step is a diagnostic test for both the SAT and the ACT. Taking a practice version of each helps students determine which exam aligns better with their skills and testing style. From there, they can design a prep plan that fits their needs:

• Free resources:
  • Khan Academy offers personalized SAT practice linked to the College Board.
  • The ACT Academy provides free prep materials for ACT takers.
  • Many states and school districts also offer free test prep sessions.
• Targeted practice: Work on the weakest areas identified in the diagnostic.
• Consistent schedule: Regular practice, even 20–30 minutes a few times a week, is more effective than cramming.
• Realistic timeline: Students should aim to complete testing by the fall of senior year, allowing time to retake if needed.

Final Thoughts

Testing is once again becoming an important factor in college admissions—especially for students aiming at highly selective schools. Even with many colleges remaining test-optional, preparing for the SAT or ACT gives students greater flexibility and choice when it comes time to apply. By starting early with diagnostics for both tests, using free resources, and developing a structured prep plan, students can approach testing with confidence and maximize their opportunities in the admissions process.