Major Changes Coming to the ACT

Did you know that the ACT offers a digital version of their test? Starting in April 2025, the digital version of the ACT will undergo two major changes: the science section will become optional, and students will have more time per question. (The paper version of the test will also change, but not until September 2025.) If a student elects not to take the science portion of the test, the ACT will also become substantially shorter in terms of time and essentially the same length as the SAT.

What does this change mean for you? Well, right now ACT’s plan is to maintain the same level of difficulty but with fewer questions. While this means that each question will be worth more, it also suggests that scores might rise due to the reduced time crunch. However, any major change like this brings a lot of uncertainty, particularly for the first couple of administrations. We also have not yet heard whether colleges will have a preference for students to continue taking the science section.

As 2025 approaches and ACT fleshes out the specifics of all of the impending changes, we will be in close communication with you concerning which test will be a better fit once the changes take effect.

For many of our Southern students, school will begin in August…some as soon as August 1! While other students still have a month or more of summer to savor, it’s sage advice to get your brain trained for school before the first day. This could take the form of reviewing some of your learning from last year, previewing what you will likely see later this academic year, or ideally a little bit of both. At Oberman Tutoring, we are experts in designing a learning experience that can prime your brain for the year ahead! 

As one example, a student who worked with Dr. Oberman last summer reported in January (6 months later!) "The other day our teacher gave us a system of equations that nobody knew what to do with. But I remembered what I had worked on with Dr. Oberman this past summer and was the only one who got it right! My teacher was standing behind me watching in amazement as I solved it correctly, and then I helped my friends understand the method as well!"



Go to the Oberman Tutoring website, and schedule your own brain-training session today!

What Our Families Are Saying!

• “Dr. Oberman was extremely attentive and made sure I understood what we were reviewing every time. Math was not the easiest subject for me, but I’m glad I had Dr. Oberman to help!"

• "Hi [Dr. Oberman], The session was so helpful and we really went in depth with the material. I feel really good about it.”

• "[Dr. Oberman] has worked with both of my teenagers and has been able to connect with them—even in the online setting—because he has a great sense of humor, is kind, and is sensitive to each of their individual needs.”

I’m Dr. Paul Oberman. I have worked in education for 34 years as a teacher, principal, and head of school, and I have a PhD in educational psychology. Those experiences shape my teaching philosophy:

• All students can learn (and can learn math!), and learning should be fun.
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• Learning should build on a student’s belief that they can reach their goals, because this plays a big role in success.
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• Students learn math best when they can see how it has relevance in their lives, so I show them compelling examples throughout our work together. 
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• I assure strong communication among tutor, family, and teacher. Success comes from the best methods shared among everyone.



• Lastly, I know that students don’t care what you know unless they know that you care. I develop true connections with my students so they have a relationship context in which to ask questions, fail, and ultimately succeed.