For the last 16 years, the ACT® Corporation has strived to make the ACT more accessible to a broader range of students. This can help decrease barriers potential test takers face during the exam, increase their comfort, and allow them to perform their best.
Before registering for the exam, students will want to know the options available.
Is the ACT Going Digital in 2024?
The ACT has offered online testing in the US since 2016 and internationally since 2018. While access was previously limited, the organization is slowly rolling out the digital ACT on a wider scale.
In December 2023, around 5,000 students participated in the digital ACT pilot program. The results allowed the organization to make adjustments and enhancements to ensure a smooth, glitch-free exam process. A limited number of testing centers began offering the new and improved test in February 2024. However, it won’t make its official debut until the spring of 2025.
Students taking the digital ACT starting in April 2025 will enjoy greater flexibility, fewer questions, and more time to answer each question. By September 2025, these benefits will also be available to students choosing to take the pencil and paper exam on national test dates. Those who test on state or district dates will have access by the spring of 2026.
It’s important to note that digital exams will only be available through testing centers and schools on devices owned and managed by these facilities. Students will not be able to take the exam on personal devices.
Paper testing will remain available for students who prefer not to test digitally. Once the pencil and paper version of the test is updated in fall 2025, the digital and paper tests will be identical, so students can choose the method that’s most comfortable for them.
How is the Digital ACT Different?
By September 2025, the digital and paper ACT will be identical. Changes to the ACT will be implemented first in the digital format beginning in April 2025. Although many aspects of the test will remain the same, there are some key differences.
Increased Flexibility
Students who prefer a digital exam format will have the option to choose the computer-based ACT once it becomes available. After all, the students taking standardized tests today are digital natives. Most of them are exceptionally comfortable with these formats, completing ACT test prep and many typical school assignments on a computer.
Extending these options to the exam room is only natural.
Currently, ACT test prep is available on paper and in a digital format.
Once the modernized exam debuts, students will be able to pick their preferred format until late registration. There is no price difference between the digital ACT and the traditional paper exam.
A Shorter Exam and Faster Turnaround Time
Another major change for the new digital ACT is that the science section is now optional. As such, the core test will consist of only English, reading, and math. In addition, the three core sections will have a combined total of 44 fewer questions. In turn, the digital ACT will take two hours to complete as opposed to three for the paper ACT.
Students will have the option to take the core exam plus writing, core plus science, or all available sections.
The ACT Corporation has chosen to shorten the exam to reduce fatigue felt by many students. This condensed version of the ACT should be more manageable than previous iterations, enabling students to enhance their performance.
Scores will still be delivered within the regular two- to eight-week window. Some examinees who participate in special studies conducted by ACT will be made aware of adjustments to their scoring timeframe and will opt in during registration.
While we still encourage students to take the exam well in advance of any college admissions deadlines, this can give many test-takers time to retake the exam if necessary.
Greater Accessibility
Increased accessibility might be the greatest benefit of the digital ACT.
Of course, the digital ACT offers a host of other built-in features to accommodate the needs of all students including:
- Choice of colors and color contrast
- Magnification
- Line reader tool (mimics straight edge used in paper testing for visual tracking)
- Highlight text or parts of an item
- Answer-masking or custom masking
- Mark an item for review
- Option eliminator
- Indicator of time remaining
- Online calculator
Additionally, text-to-speech can enhance performance for students who process auditory instructions better than written guidance.
It’s important to remember that these are not merely features of convenience. For many students, these elements are necessary for equitable access. ACT representatives hope to help more students achieve their academic goals by adding these attributes to the testing format.
Are Colleges Looking at ACT Scores in 2024?
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many institutions eliminated standardized testing requirements. However, as colleges and universities returned to normal protocols, more schools began reinstating their original testing policies.
Students must carefully study the admissions requirements of their chosen institutions before taking the paper or digital ACT. After all, standardized testing is still optional for many. That said, outstanding scores can still highlight students’ abilities and showcase their potential. There is no reason to think schools are phasing out the ACT, SAT, or other standardized tests.
Colleges frequently reevaluate and update their testing policies, so potential students should be sure to double-check these admissions policies before submitting their applications.
C2’s ACT Prep Services Can Help You Feel Prepared
Students have relied on C2 Education’s ACT prep services for over 25 years. Our tutors are highly skilled educators who have all scored within the top 5% of their chosen subjects.
We offer personalized lessons to help students build confidence, learn test-taking strategies, and get comfortable with the format of the ACT. Many students prefer this option to build their skills over time.
Additionally, students can join our ACT Summer Boot Camp for an intensive dive into the exam. This is an excellent option for students with busy schedules during the school year who can benefit from an immersive, short-term course.
Next Steps
The ACT is evolving to meet the needs of students, increase accessibility, and give test-takers more control over their exam experience with the up-and-coming digital format. By reducing the core requirements and overall test length, leaders within the ACT organization hope to minimize exam fatigue and help students achieve their goals.
At C2 Education, we’re committed to supporting students as they navigate standardized testing and the college admissions process. Through our customizable tutoring sessions and Boot Camp programs, we help prepare students to perform at their highest level on exam day.
Contact us today or find your local C2 Education center to learn more!
