ACT Updates from the 2022 NTPA Conference
At the National Test Prep Association conference in Georgia on the weekend of July 11th, ACT’s CEO Janet Goodwin articulated what changes ACT would make in response to the SAT’s tectonic shift to digital testing. What’s changing? Well, not much.
The updates primarily cement ACT’s brand position as the steady, stable testing company, in contrast to the rapid, industry-disrupting changes from the College Board (SAT’s test maker) with their switch to digital testing. The changes, or lack thereof, reflect ACT’s commitment to gradual, considered change.
What’s (Not) Changing
ACT has plans to offer a fully digital exam for all students (not just those who live outside of the U.S.) at some point, but they pledged to keep the paper test as an option no matter what. There is even some talk that they will expand paper testing to international students, who currently must take the computer-based ACT.
Unlike the College Board’s decision in early 2021 to discontinue the SAT Essay, the ACT will keep its optional essay section, the ACT Writing Test.
ACT is not moving forward with section retesting, contrary to the announcement in 2020. (Apparently, colleges were not keen on this proposal.)
ACT has plans to reduce the time crunch on the Reading and Science sections to make the test more equitable, but have yet to announce specifics.
If you have any questions about these updates or would appreciate help preparing for the ACT (or SAT), reach out to our team of expert tutors.
