A Review of the December 9th Test Results and a Look into Digital ACT Accommodations
Starting with the test on February 10, 2024, the ACT will have simultaneous offerings in both paper and digital formats.
They rolled out their first official test of the Digital format in limited locations for the December 9, 2023 test, and we are just seeing the results of that exam now.
So far, the Digital ACT looks to be a promising option for students who do well with the ACT but need a more customizable testing experience.
Did you take the test on December 9, 2023?
Before we get any deeper: Here are a few things to note about the 12/09 score reports.
First, the Science section score may be worse than expected, but never fear! 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗰𝘂𝗿𝘃𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗾𝘂𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿, which meant missing only a couple questions dropped you nearly double as many points. Retaking the test with the same number of questions correct would likely improve your score!
Second, lots of students haven't gotten their scores back yet. This is all part of the process, so don't panic if yours hasn't arrived. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗔𝗖𝗧 𝘀𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝘀 𝗙𝗲𝗯𝗿𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝟮, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰.
However, in the 𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙧𝙖𝙧𝙚 instance that your scores are being withheld because they got flagged, here's what to know:
If you showed an improvement of 6 composite points or more over the course of a 20 month period, your test gets flagged for review, which just means they are comparing your answers to those of people around you to check for any suspicious activity.
This doesn't mean your score is getting canceled! Just be prepared to explain your score improvement, such as working with a tutor in between or having an illness the first time you took it. You can also show them high grades or other high test scores from AP or SAT scores, or you can retest for free to prove your aptitude.
What's on the new ACT Digital test?
The Digital ACT is not a complete redesign of the content of the test in the way that the Digital SAT is.
The concepts covered and the order of subjects are exactly the same, as is the amount of time per section and per question.
Students will find the Digital ACT very familiar, but with a few added digital tools that can help English learners, students with disabilities, or any students who prefer a customizable digital platform to make the test accessible for everyone.
Many of the features in the Digital ACT are similar to those in the Digital SAT, with several additions that accommodate for a wider variety of needs:
Same as the SAT:
- Marking an item for review
- Highlighting Text
- Annotations
- Indication of time remaining
- Online calculator
Unique to the ACT:
- Magnification
- Different background or color contrast options
- Line reader too (similar to a straight edge used in paper testing)
- Answer-masking or custom masking to prevent distractions
In many ways, the Digital ACT is the most customizable and adaptable standardized test available for college entrance exams!
How to apply for ACT accommodations?
Many of these features, such as the color contrast, line reader, annotation, calculator, answer masking, etc., are available to all students who take the Digital ACT.
However, if you have a disability or are an English Learner and would like to make sure you have a test with further accommodations properly suited to your needs, all you have to do is respond "Yes" when asked if you need "accommodations or language supports to access the test" during the registration process.
This selection will send you an email to forward directly to your school counselor. Then you can work together with them to submit your request for accommodations along with your Individualized Learning Plan and any tests from the last three years confirming your diagnosis. This request is put under review in time for the official test, but only if it is sent in by your school directly!
You can either request the 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝘅𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲 (the standardized +50% extended time that many students are familiar with) or the 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 (anything that is not +50% extended time, such as double time, flexible time, screen reader, and many more that have become available with the new digital test format) version of the test.
In order to qualify, you will need a diagnosis, recent documentation of prior accommodations, and proof that your disability directly impacts your ACT performance.
Here is a video from the ACT that explains the process in detail.
With so many options available, students can move into Spring of 2024 with some hope about the quality of testing accommodations available to pick and choose the test experience that suits them best.
Want more details about the SAT and ACT and how to approach them? Check out our free Insider's Guide for step-by-step instructions on how to answer the questions we listed above for yourself, make informed application decisions, and prepare to get your best scores.
For help studying or making a college application plan that will gain you acceptance letters and scholarship awards, even when the process gets more and more complicated every year, our sister company March Consulting is here to help make the college admissions process make sense for you and your family.