The ACT has long been one of the two main college entrance exams, and this year, the test is undergoing updates designed to make it more relevant for today’s students. Parents often ask us what this means for their child’s preparation—and how to plan accordingly. Let’s break it down.
The Enhanced ACT introduces refinements to ensure the test better reflects the skills students need for college readiness. Updates include:
Refined content to align with current classroom learning.
Clearer questions that reduce unnecessary wording and focus on reasoning.
Improved score reporting to give students and parents more meaningful feedback.
The Enhanced ACT is scheduled to roll out with the next academic testing cycle, starting in Spring 2025. Students who test before then will see the current format, while those testing afterward will experience the updates.
Questions are more streamlined and student-friendly.
Results provide clearer insights into readiness for college-level work.
Adjustments reduce “test trickiness” and focus on actual knowledge.
Students preparing with old materials may feel caught off guard.
Some parents worry about how colleges will view the transition scores, though ACT has confirmed they remain fully valid and comparable.
Any change introduces uncertainty during the first year of rollout.
At Vanguard, we believe these changes make the ACT more streamlined, student-friendly, and focused on real skills. We see the Enhanced ACT as an excellent option for students—and an exciting opportunity for families looking to invest in strong test preparation. We are now enrolling students in our Enhanced ACT classes, designed to align with the new format and ensure your child is ready from day one.
The short answer is no. All U.S. colleges accept either test with no preference. Preparing for both often divides a student’s time and energy, leading to weaker results. At Vanguard, we start with diagnostic tests for both SAT and ACT, then determine which exam your student is naturally stronger in. From there, we commit to one route, offering test-specific classes to maximize results. This approach ensures students work smarter—not harder.
Our curriculum is already adapting to the Enhanced ACT format. Once your student completes their diagnostics, our director will help you decide whether the SAT or Enhanced ACT is the stronger path. From there, students receive tailored instruction, concise homework, and access to complimentary office hours for additional support.
The Enhanced ACT is not something to fear—it’s an evolution that keeps the test aligned with modern education. The key is choosing the right exam for your student and committing to it. With Vanguard’s structured approach and proven strategies, your child will be prepared for whichever path sets them up for success.
👉 We are now enrolling for Enhanced ACT classes. Sign up today to reserve your student’s spot.