Your Complete 2025 SAT & ACT Guide: Updates, Strategies, and Must-Know Tips
Standardized testing remains a key component of the college admissions process, despite shifts in policies across universities. While some schools have moved to test-optional or test-blind admissions, having a strong ACT or SAT score can still bolster your application, improve scholarship opportunities, and provide an additional data point for competitive programs.
If you’re a high school student preparing for the SAT or ACT in 2025 (or beyond), here’s what you need to know, including upcoming test dates, recent changes, study strategies, and test-prep resources.
Why You Should Still Take the SAT or ACT
Many students wonder if they should skip standardized testing now that many schools are test-optional. The answer is no.
Submitting a strong test score can make your application stand out, especially if other areas of your application, like your GPA or extracurriculars, are not as strong. Additionally, more and more colleges are returning to having testing requirements. Scholarship opportunities often consider your SAT or ACT scores as well.
Taking one or both tests ensures that you don’t limit your college options later in the application process.
Test-Optional vs. Test-Required Schools
Before deciding, check the testing policies of the schools you’re applying to. Some universities still require standardized test scores, while others encourage them for scholarship consideration.
Recent SAT & ACT Changes 2025
The ACT: A Shorter, More Flexible Test
The ACT will undergo major changes in 2025, including:
- A Shorter Test – The core test will be reduced from 3 hours to 2 hours.
- Fewer Questions – The number of questions per section will decrease to 44.
- Optional Science Section – Students can choose whether or not to take the science section. That means there are now 4 test combinations to choose from:
- ACT
- ACT + Science
- ACT + Writing
- ACT + Science + Writing
- More Time Per Question – Adjustments will allow students more time to think through their responses
- Fewer Answer Choices – The ACT will now have 4 multiple choice answers in the math section, down from 5
Timeline for Changes
- April 2025: Changes will apply to online ACT test-takers.
- September 2025: All ACT test-takers, regardless of format, will see these changes.
Read More on the ACT official website
The SAT: Digital & Adaptive
The SAT transitioned to a fully digital format in 2024, bringing major changes that remain in place for 2025:
- Shorter Test – The digital SAT lasts just over 2 hours now, instead of 3.
- Adaptive Format – Performance on the first section will determine the difficulty of questions in the second section for both math and reading.
- Shorter Reading Passages – Focused reading sections with direct questions.
- Calculators Allowed for All Math Sections – Students can use built-in or personal calculators.
Test Format Overview:
- Two sections: Math & Reading/Writing
- Scored on a 1600 scale
- Taken on a digital platform at a test center (not at home)
Upcoming Test Dates & Deadlines
SAT & ACT Test Dates (2025)
Here are the upcoming test dates for the SAT and ACT. Be sure to register before the deadlines to secure your preferred testing location.
SAT Test Dates:
| Test Date | Registration Deadline | Late Registration Deadline |
| March 8, 2025 | February 21, 2025 | February 25, 2025 |
| May 3, 2025 | April 18, 2025 | April 22, 2025 |
| June 7, 2025 | May 22, 2025 | May 27, 2025 |
For more information on fall and winter test dates and to register, visit the College Board’s SAT Dates and Deadlines.
ACT Test Dates:
| Test Date | Registration Deadline | Late Registration Deadline |
| April 5, 2025 | February 28, 2025 | March 16, 2025 |
| June 14, 2025 | May 9, 2025 | May 26, 2025 |
| July 12, 2025 | June 6, 2025 | June 20, 2025 |
For more information and to register, visit the ACT’s Registration Page.
Pro Tip: Register early to secure your preferred testing location!
How to Improve Your SAT & ACT Scores
1. Take Practice Tests
Full-length practice tests help you simulate the test-day experience and identify areas for improvement.
- Free resources:
2. Work on Time Management
Both exams are time-sensitive, so practice pacing yourself. Take timed sample versions of the exam during test-prep rather than just working through sample questions untimed.
3. Master Key Test-Taking Strategies
- Eliminate wrong answers before selecting the best one.
- Skip and return – Don’t spend too long on one question.
- Use answer choices strategically – On math, plug in numbers when unsure.
4. Focus on Weaknesses and Challenges
Analyze mistakes you made on practice tests, and dedicate extra prep-time to the areas you struggled with.
5. Consider Professional Tutoring or Prep Courses
If self-study isn’t yielding the desired results, professional tutoring or structured prep courses can provide personalized guidance, targeted strategies, and accountability. These resources often offer practice materials, mock exams, and expert insights that can help boost your performance and confidence on test day.
Should You Take the SAT or the ACT?
Key Differences
| SAT | ACT | |
| Format | Digital only | Digital or paper |
| Length | 2 hours and 14 minutes | 2 hours and 5 minutes |
| Content | More college-level content | More high school level content |
| Reading | Shorter, more direct passages | Shorter passages in the English and reading sections |
| Time for Results | Scores back within days | Scores back in 2-3 weeks |
How do you decide which one to take?
- Check the testing requirements of the schools and scholarships on your list – be sure to take the test(s) they require.
- Take a diagnostic test (there are free, online options available!) to see which suits you best.
- If you’re still unsure, you can take both and just submit your best scores.
Final Thoughts: Should You Take the SAT or the ACT?
Yes! Taking the SAT or ACT keeps your college options open and can enhance your application. At test-optional colleges, a high score strengthens your chances for admission. And at many schools (regardless of their testing policy for general admission), your scores can affect eligibility or consideration for merit-based scholarships and entry into honors programs.
Here’s why you should plan to take a standardized test in 2025:
It keeps all college options open – Some schools still require test scores, and policies can change.
It strengthens your application – Even at test-optional schools, a strong score adds another positive data point.
It helps with scholarships – Many merit-based scholarships consider SAT or ACT scores.
It demonstrates academic readiness – A good score can offset a lower GPA or a less rigorous course-load.
Next Steps:
- Check test dates and register early – Avoid last-minute stress by planning ahead.
- Take a diagnostic SAT and ACT – This will help determine which test suits you best.
- Start preparing early – Use practice tests, tutoring, and study resources.
- Consider taking a test at least twice – Check if the colleges on your list superscore, meaning they consider your highest section scores across multiple attempts.
Ultimately, standardized testing is a strategic tool that you can use to work in your favor. Taking the SAT or ACT ensures you don’t limit your options and helps you present the strongest possible college application. Start preparing now so you can walk into test day with confidence, and maximize your score!