As a parent of a high schooler, you’re navigating the high-stakes world of college admissions alongside your teen. With the SAT and ACT evolving in 2025 and many colleges reinstating test requirements, your support can make all the difference. This guide covers the latest test changes, practical ways to guide your teen’s prep, and Portland-specific tutoring and testing resources to keep things local and manageable.
What’s New with the SAT and ACT in 2025?
The SAT is fully digital, taken on a laptop or tablet via the College Board’s Bluebook app. It’s shorter—about 2 hours and 14 minutes—with fewer questions and more time per problem (roughly 64 minutes for reading/writing, 70 for math). The test adapts to your teen’s performance, so early accuracy matters. A standout feature is the embedded Desmos calculator for math, allowing switches between scientific and graphing modes. Reading passages are shorter, testing comprehension efficiently.
The ACT has streamlined, too. As of April 2025 for online testers and September for all formats, it’s about 2 hours with fewer questions (down to ~171 from 215). The science section is now optional, so your teen can choose just English, math, and reading, or add science and writing for schools requiring them. Superscoring for online tests focuses on core sections, and content emphasizes high school skills with some pre-high-school basics.
Which test suits your teen? The SAT’s adaptive format may favor math-strong students, while the ACT’s straightforward style suits fast readers. Encourage them to take free diagnostics for both (available on College Board or ACT websites) to decide.
How to Support Your Teen’s Prep Without the Stress
Your role is to guide without overwhelming. Here’s how to help your teen build a solid prep plan:
- Start Early, Stay Steady: Encourage 3-6 months of prep, ideally starting now for spring or summer 2026 tests. Short, consistent study sessions (20-30 minutes daily) beat cramming. Help them set a realistic score goal based on their target colleges’ averages—aim 100-200 points above their diagnostic score.
- Use Free Resources: The College Board’s Bluebook app offers free SAT practice tests, and Khan Academy tailors prep to PSAT results. ACT’s site has free quizzes, and Portland Public Schools often link to prep materials. Books like “The Official SAT Study Guide” or “The Official ACT Prep Guide” are reliable investments.
- Build Smart Habits: Encourage time management by practicing under timed conditions. For SAT, remind them to use the calculator strategically; for ACT, pacing is key to avoid rushing. Teach strategies like process-of-elimination and tackling easy questions first.
- Track Progress: Schedule 3-4 full-length practice tests before test day to mimic real conditions. Review results together to celebrate wins and pinpoint weak spots like algebra or reading comprehension.
- Balance Support and Space: Check in on their progress, but avoid micromanaging. A weekly chat about their study plan keeps you involved without adding pressure. If motivation lags, apps like UWorld or Princeton Review can make practice engaging.
Portland Testing and Tutoring: Local Options for Success
Portland offers convenient testing centers and top-notch tutoring. For SATs, use the College Board’s locator (collegeboard.org) to find sites like the Portland Expo Center or local high schools. The Oregon Islamic Academy may also host SAT dates alongside PSAT and AP exams. Register early—deadlines are strict. ACT centers, often at high schools or community colleges, can be found via ACT’s online tool (act.org).
If your teen needs extra support, Portland’s tutoring scene is robust:
- North Avenue Education offers one-on-one SAT/ACT coaching, blending test strategies with study skills, in-person or online. northaveeducation.com
- Stumptown Test Prep provides personalized plans from diagnostics to test day, with stellar reviews for results. stumptowntestprep.com
- Huntington Learning Center tailors programs for SAT/ACT, ideal for teens needing broader academic support. huntingtonhelps.com
- Emergent Education focuses on test-taking tactics, helping teens build confidence beyond rote memorization. emergenttutoring.com
- Wyzant connects you with Portland tutors for flexible, often virtual sessions. wyzant.com
- Varsity Tutors offers personalized one-on-one tutoring, with many local options. varsitytutors.com
Costs vary, so check Yelp for reviews or request free consultations to find the best fit. Group classes or summer bootcamps through local providers can be cost-effective.
Beyond the Test: Building Confidence
Your teen’s SAT or ACT score is just one part of their college application, but it’s a chance to showcase their potential. Encourage balance—schoolwork, activities, and rest matter too. Celebrate small milestones, like improving a practice score, to keep them motivated. You’re not just helping them prep for an exam—you’re equipping them for their future.
Tiffany Wilson is a 42-year-old stay-at-home mom from Tigard, Oregon, raising three kids—Sophie, Noah, and Riley. She’s a warm, hands-on parent who mixes daily routines with creative fun, whether it’s a backyard scavenger hunt or building a blanket fort in the living room.