Current Strategies for the New ACT Test and a Tip for Taking the Digital SAT
ACT is rolling out its new digital test which generally is shorter in length of time and which has made the science section optional. For the new ACT, the composite score will be based on the scores of the English, math, and reading sections.
Issues with the Administration of New Digital ACT
The test navigation system that ACT is using is inferior to the one used by the SAT and can result in a slower test experience for students. Highlights made in reading passages are temporary and can cause confusion for students.
ACT seems to be requiring that students use provided Chromebooks for the test and there have been issues with them, including screens that cut off the questions and answers, creating a challenging test experience.
It can be difficult to manipulate and read the graphs in the science section of the digital ACT.
It is unclear whether colleges will want students to report a score on the science section (even though it is optional on the new ACT).
Current Recommendations for taking New ACT
Students should continue to take the science section even though it is optional.
Students should continue to take the current ACT (which is the old version) through the July test date.
When the new ACT is given in September, students should continue to take it on paper until the issues with the technology have been resolved.
Tip for SAT Test
For the SAT, make sure your student closes the Bluebook app and restarts it the morning of the test in case there are any last minute updates that have occurred.
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