The ACT, like the other cornerstone of college admissions, the SAT, is now transitioning to a digital format. After the pandemic and the College Board’s announcement that the SAT would be administered digitally beginning in March 2024, it seemed like a matter of time before the ACT would go digital as well. Here’s what you need to know about this major change in the world of standardized testing and college admissions.
The Timeline
International students outside the US have taken the ACT digitally since September 2018. This month, the digital format is being rolled out in a limited capacity for 5,000 US students at “a select number of test centers.” ACT, Inc. – the company that administers the test of the same name – intends to expand the digital version of the exam to more testing centers throughout 2024. As of now, students in locations where the digital test is available will have the option to take either the online or paper version.
Why A Digital ACT?
It’s no secret that standardized tests – both the ACT and SAT – have been fighting for relevance since the pandemic. Many colleges and universities became test-optional during the COVID-19 pandemic and haven’t gone back since. Other institutions, including the entire University of California system, don’t accept test scores at all.
The main reason that ACT cites for the digital administration of the test is accessibility. Standardized testing receives frequent criticism for being inequitable. In a statement on the digital exam, ACT CEO Janet Godwin said, “the online option is an important step toward expanding equitable and inclusive testing experiences for all students.” The availability of the digital ACT is intended to improve flexibility and accessibility for test-takers.
What’s Changing?
Unlike the new Digital SAT, the online format of the ACT will not differ in content from the paper version of the test. Scoring will also not change, and the fees will be the same for the digital and paper versions.
The main change that comes with the digital ACT is the addition of several new accessibility features. These include text-to-speech, screen reader functionality, magnifying and highlighting tools, and answer masking. The digital test also includes a built-in timer.
These changes can be intimidating for high school students looking to take the ACT, but at The Enrichery, we’re experts in helping students conquer their standardized tests. In recent months, we’ve been helping students prepare for the new Digital SAT, and as the online version of the ACT is rolled out, we’ll adapt to these changes to help students succeed as well.
