The 2025 Testing Landscape
Your up-to-date testing playbook
Last updated: 7/16/25
The ACT
The latest:
- Registration for ACT dates through July 2026 is open. See our registration tips here, and register at my.act.org.
- The next ACT is on September 6, with regular registration open until August 1 and late registration open until August 19. Find more information and register here.
- Test scores generally begin to be posted 10 days after a test date. You can find more information about score release here. Scores from the July 12 ACT will be released beginning on July 22. Not all scores are released on the first day, though.
- All U.S. and International students (excluding those taking the ACT at school during the week) will take the New ACT. Find out what we know here.
Tips to get ACT-ready:
- Test sites can fill quickly, so we suggest that students sign up well in advance for the test dates they plan to take.
- For students who see the option to choose paper or digital testing, we recommend taking the paper test. Since the digital version is fairly new to U.S. testing centers, we anticipate potential technical glitches in the beginning.
- We have updated our practice tests and resources to best prepare students for the new version of the ACT. We’re ready to support students!
The SAT
The latest:
- SAT registration for the 2025-2026 school year is open. Find our registration tips here, and register here.
- The next SAT is on August 23, with a regular registration deadline of August 8 and a late registration deadline of August 12. The following SAT will be on September 13.
- The SAT is now an all-digital exam. For more information, check out our blog on SAT content.
- You can find score release dates for the SAT here, including tests taken at school. Scores for the August 23 SAT will be available on September 5.
Tips to get SAT-ready:
- Test sites can fill quickly, so we suggest that students sign up well in advance for the test dates they plan to take.
- The SAT is now offered in a digital-only format. Learn more about the SAT here.
AP Exams
The latest:
- In 2025, the majority of AP exams were offered in a digital format. Students tested in the College Board’s Bluebook app. Check back for more information about 2026 AP Exam formats.
- Fully digital exam: These will be offered in a fully digital format, with both multiple-choice and free-response questions answered in the Bluebook app. These include English, computer sciences, and histories.
- Hybrid digital exam: Students will complete multiple-choice questions and view free-response questions in the Bluebook app. Free-response answers will be handwritten in paper exam booklets. These include the science and math exams.
- Paper exam: Art and language exams were offered in the paper format only in 2025. AP world language and culture exams will remain on paper in 2026, likely moving to digital in 2027.
Tips for AP test takers:
- Find the full list of subjects by exam type here.
- Private Prep is prepared to support students who will test in any of the available formats.
The ISEE
The latest:
- Registration for the fall/winter 2025 ISEE season will open on August 1, 2025. Log in to register as soon as possible, as test dates fill quickly.
- The ISEE will be offered at test centers on paper, online at Prometric Testing Centers, and online at home.
- Students with testing accommodations must be approved prior to registering for an ISEE test date.
- We are monitoring the latest information about the announced merger between the makers of the SSAT and ISEE.
Tips to get ISEE-ready:
- Check out our blog to learn more about ISEE registration.
- Students can test once per testing season. Fall is August–November and Winter is December–March. We recommend that students sign up for a test in November and December.
- Students should prepare for online testing if choosing that option. Private Prep’s tutors are trained in the online platform, and we offer online practice tests. Contact your director for more information.
- In past test seasons, we have heard of some technical glitches with at-home online testing. If choosing this option, know that there is a chance of delays and plan for patience!
- To apply for accommodations, create an account or login into the ISEE registration system. If approved, accommodations are valid for 15 months from the date of approval. More information about accommodations can be found on the ISEE website.
The SSAT
The latest:
- Registration for the fall/winter 2025 SSAT season will open on August 1, 2025. Log in to register as soon as possible, as test dates can fill quickly.
- The SSAT will be offered at test centers on paper, online at Prometric Testing Centers, and online at home.
- Students with testing accommodations must be approved prior to registering for an SSAT test date.
- We are monitoring the latest information about the announced merger between the makers of the SSAT and ISEE.
Tips to get SSAT-ready:
- For more information on SSAT registration, check out our blog.
- We recommend that students sign up for a test in October, November, and/or December.
- Students should prepare for online testing if choosing that option. Private Prep’s tutors are trained in the online platform, and we offer online practice tests. Contact your director for more information.
- In past test seasons, we have heard of some technical glitches with at-home online testing. If choosing this option, know that there is a chance of delays and plan for patience!
- To apply for accommodations, create an account or login into the SSAT registration portal. Accommodations expire on July 31 of each year, and students will need to reapply and be approved for the new school year. More information about accommodations can be found on the SSAT website.
Need help? Have Questions?
Check back here frequently for real-time updates as the ever-shifting testing landscape does what it does! We are here to support you.