Adoption of the Enhanced Digital ACT represents a major shift in how students experience the exam—and in how tutors and test-prep companies guide them. In this post, we’ll break down what’s great about the new format, what might trip you up, and how to prepare so you can still hit your target score.

Benefits of the Enhanced Digital ACT

1. Shorter overall test time
   With fewer questions per section, plus the optional Science section, the digital ACT cuts down on total testing time. That means less fatigue heading into the final portions of the exam and fewer opportunities for careless errors born of mental exhaustion.
   
2. Science section is optional
   If science isn’t your strong suit, you can skip it without penalty. Colleges that require a science score will still want to see it, but many schools won’t—making it easier to focus on your best sections and play to your strengths. (If you plan on applying to a STEM-based program, take the Science section.)
   
3. Superscoring becomes even more impactful
   If you don’t take the Science section, the math on superscoring indicates that it becomes even more powerful. Because each section counts more toward your composite, retaking to boost just one section can nudge your overall score by a full point more often than under the old four-section model. Strategically targeting your weakest area over 2-3 test dates pays off.
   
4. Easier English (grammar) section
   The English section isn’t changing at all, and it is friendlier than the SAT Writing test, with fewer deliberately tricky questions. That means (as it did with the paper ACT) that improving your score significantly on the English section will be possible for most students, and it will also have a greater impact on your composite score.

5. Scoring remains consistent with paper tests
   Based on the April 2025 national rollout, scaled scores mirror those from the traditional paper ACT very closely. So, studying with paper-based test material will give you a very accurate idea of how you are doing. (Especially since the new test isn’t all that different.)

Drawbacks of the Enhanced Digital ACT

1. Uneven initial rollout & technical glitches
   Some test centers reported hiccups—delays, software bugs, testing room distractions—during the April administration. This mirrors the SAT’s early digital launch, and those issues have largely disappeared. We expect the ACT organization to smooth these out by the fall test dates, but it’s something to consider if you are a rising senior and have limited time remaining to prep and test.

2. Math section ramps up difficulty quickly
   To maintain a reliable scoring curve with fewer questions, the math section escalates question difficulty faster than the paper test. Intensive practice on a variety of difficulty levels—especially medium-hard questions—will be important. (But you still had to work hard to master the hard questions on the paper test, too!)

3. Longer score-reporting wait times (for now)
   The April test took over a month to release scores. As more students convert to digital and the ACT streamlines its processes, those wait times should drop back into the typical 2 week timeframe.
   
   
4. Limited supply of high-quality digital practice tests
   Third-party publishers are still building out fully digital ACT practice tests. Right now, you won’t find dozens of official platform-accurate tests—but that will change rapidly over the next 3–4 months. In the meantime, about 90% of your prep can rely on existing paper ACT exams; just spend a few hours getting comfortable with the testing software interface, especially the digital calculator if you are not used to it, and spend a little more time on hard math questions.

Key Takeaways

1. If your baseline ACT score is clearly stronger than your SAT score and you’re a rising junior, go ahead and commit to the digital ACT. Start prep now and expect that by September or later, the early technical issues will likely be resolved.
   
2. Use recently released paper ACT exams for most of your prep, but make sure to complete at least a few third-party simulated digital ACTs to become familiar with the platform and slight shifts in timing and question progression.
   
3. Plan to take the digital ACT at least twice—ideally three times—to maximize your superscore. With only three sections counting, a small improvement in one section can significantly boost your composite.
   
4. If you're a rising senior, the paper-based ACT may still be your best bet—especially if you're already mid-prep or need scores quickly. One exception: If Science is bringing down your score, switching to the digital version (with optional Science) may be worth considering.
   
5. If your baseline ACT and SAT scores are evenly matched, go with the SAT. The digital SAT is now stable, well-documented, and widely supported by both official and third-party prep tools.

Final Thoughts

The Enhanced Digital ACT offers real advantages for the right student—but like any major change, it requires thoughtful planning. If you’re unsure which path to take, baseline both exams with full-length practice tests, and choose the one that better matches your strengths. Either way, starting early and preparing strategically is still the most important factor in reaching your goal score.

Have questions about how to prep, how to superscore, or how to schedule your testing calendar? Reach out to us by completing the contact form on our website here — Mindspire Tutoring and Test Prep is here to help you navigate this new testing landscape!

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