Chariot Learning
  • About
    • FAQ
    • Our Curriculum
    • Areas Chariot Learning Serves
  • Services
    • SAT & ACT Prep
    • SAT/ACT TestFlip
    • Academic Coaching
    • Subject Tutoring
    • Strategic Reading Club
    • Proctored Practice Tests
    • GRE Prep
    • College Essay Coaching
    • Roots2Words
  • Calendar
  • Testimonials
  • Blog
  • Resources
  • Contact
March 15, 2016 by Kaeti Stoss

Subtle Changes to the ACT

ACTmultilogoThe SAT with all of its profound changes has attracted the most attention from students, parents, and even the media. But that other college admissions test, the ACT, has also evolved with the times, even as the test maker has kept these more subtle changes quiet. How has the ACT changed over the last year?

ENGLISH
There has been no change in format to the English section, though there is more of a focus on punctuation. In addition, more questions ask about thesis and author’s intent in the passages.

MATHEMATICS
We haven’t seen any big changes in the Math section, but we have found certain advanced topics, mostly Algebra 2, that appear intermittently. Test takers seeking top scores in the Math section should know these topics well.

READING
Following the lead set by the SAT long ago, the ACT Reading section finally features paired passages. The Reading section still orders the passages as Prose Fiction, Social Science, Humanities, and Natural Science, but that Humanities piece is now made up of two shorter passages that share a topic but have different main ideas. These paired passages are the same combined length as the other passages and include the same 10 questions, some of which focus on each passage individually and others on both passages together.

SCIENCE
The Science Test has always seemed the most variable section, due to its broad diversity of topics and graph types. Science is even less predictable now, as there are no longer a set number of passages in this section. Test takers may see either six or seven passages on test day, but will still have to answer forty questions total.

WRITING
The Writing section has definitely seen the most significant changes over the last year. The Enhanced ACT Writing format diverges significantly in format from essays in previous years. Students are now tasked to analyze three different given viewpoints about a topic and compare these viewpoints to their own position on the topic. To give students more time to write, this section has been expanded to 40 minutes instead of 30 minutes.

These new essays are scored on the familiar 1-36 scale rather than the 2-12 scale formerly shared by the SAT and ACT. Unfortunately, the newer ACT Writing scores appear lower than expected, to the extent that some schools that previously asked for the essay are now waiving that requirement.
 
As ever, the ACT evolves to meet the needs of educators and admissions professionals alike. But this test remains unchanged at its core; the ACT is still a reading test, still rewards exceptional graphical literacy, and still covers a broad base of grammar, math, and science topics in a way that many high school students prefer over the SAT. No matter how the test changes, the ACT will remain an essential component of the college admissions process, and perhaps state testing as well, for many years to come.

ACT

Previous articleSuper Sleep as Easy as 10-3-2-1-0Next article Accommodations on the ACT and SAT
Kaeti Stoss
Kaeti Stoss combines her interest in science with her passion for education. When not teaching students, she helps develop Chariot Learning’s research-based curriculum. Kaeti loves seeing the moment when things “click” in students minds, so they can reach their academic goals.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Helping high schoolers with tests, school, and life is what Chariot Learning is all about. Let us know how we can help you!

Latest Posts

  • Self-Control and Score Outcomes
  • Tests as Equalizers and Predictors of Success
  • Beginner’s Mindset for Advanced Results
  • Make This Your Year of Preparation
  • Who Benefits from Admissions Tests?

What is TestFlip?

Learn about the ultimate in self-directed supplemental SAT/ACT prep, powered by Chariot Learning:

  • Consistency for the work week. Intensity for the weekend!
    by chariotlearning 6 months ago
    Consistency for the work week. Intensity for the weekend!
  • Be stronger than your excuses!
    by chariotlearning 6 months ago
    Be stronger than your excuses!
  • Believe in yourself, champ.
    by chariotlearning 6 months ago
    Believe in yourself, champ.
  • Decide your habits well. Your habits decide your future.
    by chariotlearning 6 months ago
    Decide your habits well. Your habits decide your future.
  • The depth of your struggle determines the height of your success.
    by chariotlearning 6 months ago
    The depth of your struggle determines the height of your success.
  • Bring a little extra to your day ;)
    by chariotlearning 6 months ago
    Bring a little extra to your day ;)
  • Knowledge isn
    by chariotlearning 6 months ago
    Knowledge isn't free. You have to pay attention.
  • The one thing you can control is your effort.
    by chariotlearning 6 months ago
    The one thing you can control is your effort.

Subscribe to Mike’s Podcast

Subscribe to Tests and the Rest

PARENT GROUP AND NEWSLETTER

Are you an Upstate New York parent with questions about college admissions, testing, and scholarships? The Upstate NY College Conversations Facebook group is for you. Join today!

And also sign up for College Road, our free email newsletter delivering expert educational advice, test news, admissions action steps, special offers, and more.

Testimonials

Your expertise regarding the ACT and SAT was obvious and your teaching methods were excellent! We are very indebted to you for being an important part of our son’s success. Thanks again!

Marc, Mendon dad

Read more testimonials...

PODCAST

Tests and the Rest is the ultimate college admissions industry podcast. Join Mike Bergin and Amy Seeley every Tuesday and Friday as they discuss the latest issues in testing, admissions, learning, and education with leading experts.
© 2023 Chariot Learning, LLC. All rights reserved.