If you're a junior this year, you may be in the midst of ACT test prep. If you haven’t heard, the ACT is rolling out significant changes for U.S.-based test takers in 2025—and those changes will happen at different times for the digital and paper versions of the test. So, how can you navigate this shift and plan your ACT testing timeline strategically? Below, our experts lay out a suggested roadmap for your ACT prep.
Testing timeline for juniors
The paper version of the ACT will not change until September of 2025, so while the new, digital exam will roll out in the U.S. in April 2025, we recommend sticking with the current paper-based ACT through July. This testing plan allows you to prep using existing, abundant ACT materials and avoid any glitches that may accompany early administrations of the new exam.
If you're located abroad, where the paper-based ACT is not offered, don't worry–the international version of the ACT won't change until September 2025! You can continue to focus on the current computer-based ACT.
Here is a suggested testing timeline for students based in the United States.
- Now-February/April 2025: Start or continue prep for the paper exam.
- February/April 2025: Plan to take a paper version of the ACT. Either February or April (or both) may make make the most sense for you, depending on where you are in your prep.
- Summer 2025: Plan to take another paper version of the ACT in June and/or July (though note that the July ACT is not available in New York).
- Fall 2025: If needed, continue prep and take a final exam in September or October. At that point, the paper ACT will also change, and the digital ACT will be more well established. Additionally, ACT will have released more practice material, so you may want to explore whether you test better the digital or paper format. We can help make that determination!
If you’re eager to check out the new, digital shortened ACT earlier, we can help you prepare! It’s just not our recommendation. Ideally, we suggest focusing on getting to the point at which you’re happy with your score on the current ACT or SAT. Then, if you’re really itching to do so, take the new ACT as an extra option–not as a test on which you’re truly depending on getting the scores you need.
That said, if you truly hit a plateau on multiple current ACTs or SATs, you may also wish to try out the new ACT.
Testing timeline for sophomores
Sophomore year is a great time to get an early start on test prep! If you’re leaning towards taking the ACT, here’s what we recommend:
- April 2025: Take your first diagnostic ACT in the new, shortened format if you're based in the U.S. If you’re really hankering to start earlier, you may take a full paper ACT diagnostic, and then pivot to the new, shortened ACT later. However, keep in mind that your testing experience will be different on the two exams.
- Summer 2025: Continue prep with the goal of taking your first real ACT in fall 2025.
Alternative: Stick with the SAT
Remember that the ACT isn’t the only player out there! For some students, the digital SAT, which is now a known quantity, will be the better move. Students can start at the time that makes the most sense to them.
We are here to guide you through the changes in the test prep landscape this year and every year! Contact us for more information and to discuss your child’s best plan.
