Preparing for Both the Digital SAT and Enhanced ACT: A Mindful Approach for 2025
Can You Prepare for Both Tests Simultaneously? Yes—Here's How
As families navigate the changing landscape of college admissions testing, we at Om Education & WayForward College Consulting hear a common concern: "With these new digital formats, is preparing for both tests too overwhelming?"
Our answer might surprise you: The digital SAT and Enhanced ACT actually make dual preparation more intuitive, not less. These streamlined tests now share a stronger foundation of core academic skills and digital interfaces. Rather than doubling your student's workload, a mindfully designed preparation strategy can nurture transferable abilities that flourish in both environments—while honoring your child's unique learning style and reducing unnecessary stress.
Understanding the New Test Formats
Both the SAT and ACT have undergone significant transformations to become more accessible and student-friendly:
Digital SAT: Fully digital since 2024, the new SAT features shorter testing time, adaptive questions, built-in Desmos graphing calculator tools, and quicker results (days instead of weeks).
Enhanced ACT: Beginning April 2025 in digital format and fully implemented by September 2025, the Enhanced ACT reduces testing time to just over 2 hours (from 3+ hours), makes the Science section optional, and calculates composite scores based only on English, Math, and Reading sections.
These changes reflect a growing recognition that testing should measure core academic readiness without unnecessary stress or complexity.
Shared Foundations: Why Dual Preparation Makes Sense
The revamped tests share even more foundational skills than before:
Digital Literacy: Both tests now utilize similar digital interfaces with tools like highlighters, answer eliminators, and on-screen calculators that require the same familiarity.
Critical Reading: Both exams assess reading comprehension through passage analysis, evidence interpretation, and logical reasoning—skills that transfer seamlessly across formats.
Writing and Grammar: The ACT's English section and SAT's Reading & Writing section continue to test very similar grammar rules, rhetorical strategies, and editing skills.
Mathematical Reasoning: Core algebra, problem-solving, and data analysis appear on both exams, with digital tools now enhancing the problem-solving experience.
Efficient Time Management: Both tests now offer more time per question but still reward strategic pacing—a skill that benefits students regardless of which test they ultimately choose.
This expanded overlap means that building proficiency in one test directly enhances performance on the other, allowing for a more integrated preparation approach.
Key Differences: Strategic Preparation Points
While acknowledging the similarities, we should note the remaining distinctions:
Science Content: The Enhanced ACT offers an optional Science section for students wishing to demonstrate STEM readiness, while the SAT embeds scientific reasoning within its Reading and Math sections.
Math Focus: The SAT emphasizes problem analysis and conceptual understanding, while the ACT includes a broader range of topics with somewhat more straightforward applications.
Test Adaptation: The digital SAT uses adaptive testing (questions adjust based on performance), while the Enhanced ACT remains linear regardless of format.
Calculator Access: The SAT provides a built-in Desmos graphing calculator, while the ACT offers a more basic scientific calculator (bringing your own graphing calculator is recommended for the ACT).
At Om Education, we address these differences after building strong core skills, tailoring specific strategies to each student's unique learning profile and test preference.
Who Benefits Most from Dual Preparation?
A unified SAT/ACT approach is especially valuable for:
Undecided students who want to explore both formats before committing to one
Neurodivergent learners who may connect with different aspects of each test format
Scholarship applicants who benefit from having multiple score options for different programs
Students in transition years (2025-2026) who may encounter different testing requirements
Our approach reduces the pressure of premature commitment while building transferable skills that serve students in either testing environment.
Our Holistic Preparation Philosophy
At Om Education, test preparation extends beyond content mastery to embrace the whole student. We integrate:
Mindfulness Practices: Students learn techniques to manage test anxiety, enhance focus, and maintain clarity during digital testing experiences.
Digital Fluency: We help students become comfortable with the new digital interfaces and tools, turning potential obstacles into advantages.
Personalized Assessment: Through diagnostic evaluations of both tests, we identify each student's natural strengths and determine which format might offer their highest score potential.
Balanced Perspective: We frame testing as just one aspect of the college application journey, helping students maintain a healthy relationship with standardized assessment.
This holistic approach acknowledges that successful test-taking integrates academic knowledge, emotional regulation, and strategic thinking—skills extending far beyond exams.
Summer 2025: Comprehensive Digital Test Preparation
In partnership with WayForward College Consulting, we're offering an integrated program designed specifically for the new test formats:
From Scores to Scholarships: The Ultimate College Prep Program for 2025
June 9 - July 17, 2025 | Virtual Format
This program guides students through:
Taking diagnostic assessments on both the digital SAT and Enhanced ACT formats
Developing proficiency with digital testing tools and interfaces
Building core skills that transfer between both exams
Creating personalized testing timelines aligned with college application strategies
Understanding how to leverage scores for scholarship opportunities
Designed for high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors—including neurodivergent, gifted, and test-anxious students—this program provides a supportive foundation during this transitional testing period.
Embracing the Testing Evolution
The evolution of standardized testing toward more accessible, efficient formats represents a positive shift in educational assessment. With thoughtful preparation, students can navigate these changes with confidence rather than confusion.
At Om Education, we view these test transformations as an opportunity to approach preparation more holistically and efficiently. By understanding the shared foundations and strategic differences, we help students move forward with clarity, flexibility, and inner calm.
Whether your student ultimately takes one test or both, our focus remains consistent: nurturing confident learners who approach challenges with mindfulness and purpose.
Ready to Begin Your 2025 Testing Journey?
Let's create a personalized plan that honors your student's unique needs in this new testing landscape.
www.wayforwardcollege.com or email stefanie@wayforwardcollege.com to learn more about our summer program!
If you know you want to register for the Ultimate Summer Program now, go to www.omeducation.net to sign up!
