SAT and ACT changes tracker: the digital SAT and the enhanced ACT
First checked October 11, 2026; rechecked October 23, 2026 · Sources: ACT changes from ACT’s own pages and enhancements page (2026-27 pricing confirmed on ACT’s overview); SAT changes from College Board, as widely reported.
SAT and ACT changes have reshaped both tests. The SAT went fully digital. The ACT became the “enhanced ACT”: 75 minutes shorter with 44 fewer questions, Science optional, and a Composite based on English, math and reading only since September 2025. ACT’s prices also rose to $70 (Science add-on $5).
The SAT and ACT changes tracker
| Change | Test | When |
|---|---|---|
| Fully digital, adaptive, shorter SAT in Bluebook | SAT | 2023 (international), 2024 (US) |
| SAT Essay discontinued | SAT | 2021 |
| Shorter test: 75 fewer minutes, 44 fewer questions | ACT | Online April 2025; all national tests 2025-26 |
| Science optional; Composite from English, math, reading | ACT | Composite change from September 2025 |
| Math answer choices cut from five to four | ACT | Enhanced ACT |
| Price: $70; Science add-on $5 | ACT | Shown on ACT’s page, September 2026; confirmed for 2026-27 |
Sources: ACT; College Board.
The tests now
| SAT | ACT | |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Digital, adaptive, in Bluebook | Paper, online or your own device |
| Length | 2h 14m | 2h 5m core (131 questions) |
| Scored sections | Reading and Writing; Math | English, math, reading |
| Optional | None | Science (40 questions, +$5); Writing (+$25) |
| Fee | $68 | $70 |
Current format, October 2026.
What it means
- Old ACT Composite scores don’t change; ACT says legacy and enhanced section scores can be combined for superscoring.
- Use current materials: older ACT books include Science in the Composite and five-choice math.
- Practice in the right format: use Bluebook for the SAT and ACT’s free enhanced-format practice tests.
Common questions about SAT and ACT changes
What changed on the ACT?
Since September 2025 the ACT Composite is the average of English, math and reading; Science is optional and reported separately.
What changed on the SAT?
It became fully digital and adaptive, taken in College Board’s Bluebook app, in 2023 internationally and 2024 in the US.
Do my old ACT scores still count?
Yes. ACT says legacy and enhanced section scores can be combined for superscoring.
How much does the ACT cost now?
$70 for the core test, $5 for Science and $25 for Writing in 2026-27.