This past Saturday, February 14th, students across the country sat down for the Digital ACT. As always, our team at MEK Review was listening closely to what our students experienced — and a few important observations came back to us that we think every test-prep family should know about.
Some of what we’re sharing may sound like minor details. But here’s the thing: when it comes to standardized testing, nothing is minor. Encountering something unexpected — a missing tool, an unfamiliar question format, a passage that looks different than what you practiced — can shake a student’s rhythm at exactly the wrong moment. Test day is not the time to be surprised. That’s why we’re breaking down what happened, what it might mean going forward, and how MEK is already responding.
Issue #1: The Built-In Calculator Wasn’t Always Available
Several of our students reported that the built-in calculator (Desmos integrated into the digital testing platform) was not consistently accessible during the Math section. In some cases, it was only available for one or two questions before disappearing.
This matters. According to ACT’s own online testing guidelines, the built-in calculator application should be available for all math questions taken on the computer. If students were denied access to that tool throughout the test, this may constitute a technical administration issue at the testing center — one that could have meaningfully impacted scores.
If your student experienced this, here’s what to do:
- Contact ACT directly via phone or their official support form, and document the issue clearly — include the testing location, date, and a description of what happened.
- Avoid automatic score sending if that option was selected, and know that ACT does allow students to delete scores after receiving them if necessary.
- Understand that while ACT may offer a refund or some form of resolution, it does not remove the question of whether your student should retake the test — for example, at the April administration.
Issue #2: The Reading Section Looked a Little Different
One of our students reported a reading section structure that caught our attention:
- Informational Passage
- Informational Passage (with a table/visual element)
- Literary Narrative (Passage A & B — a paired set)
- Literary Narrative
There are a few things worth noting here. First, the passage labels appeared as simply “Informational” rather than the traditional subcategories like “Social Science,” “Humanities,” or “Natural Science” that students have come to expect. Second, a table or visual element appeared embedded within one of the passages — something that is quite unusual compared to all released practice tests to date. Third, the structure suggests a possible shift toward a 2 fiction / 2 nonfiction split, rather than the traditional 1 fiction / 3 nonfiction format.
To be clear, ACT has not made any formal public announcement about a structural change to the Reading section. There are a few possible explanations: the “Informational” label may simply be a simplified umbrella term for what were previously separate categories; the passage with a visual element may have been an experimental (unscored) passage; or ACT may be quietly testing subtle format adjustments before rolling them out more broadly.
We are watching this closely. Regardless of where the format lands, MEK students will be prepared for whatever appears on their screen.
Issue #3: New-Style Math Content on the Horizon?
Two reported math questions also stood out from this administration.
The first involved correlation coefficient interpretation — for example, a question asking what a correlation coefficient of −0.85 indicates about a data set. Historically, ACT has not heavily tested this concept in this direct, interpretive way.
The second involved sigma notation and summations, specifically a compound growth or interest problem expressed using summation notation. While this content is technically within the scope of Algebra II and Pre-Calculus, it has not commonly appeared on prior released ACT practice tests.
These questions may have been experimental and unscored. But they may also be early indicators that ACT is expanding its coverage of advanced algebra topics. Either way, our curriculum team is taking note.
How MEK Is Responding
At MEK, our job isn’t just to teach students content — it’s to build the kind of confidence that keeps them steady when something unexpected happens. Whether it’s a calculator that stops working, a passage format that looks unfamiliar, or a math concept they’ve never seen tested quite that way, our students are trained to trust their preparation, adapt, and move forward.
We’re already incorporating these observations into our ongoing instruction, monitoring any further announcements from ACT, and ensuring our students are exposed to the widest possible range of question types and formats so that nothing on test day catches them off guard.
Spring 2026 SAT & ACT Classes — Now Open for Registration
There’s still time to prepare. MEK’s Spring 2026 SAT and ACT classes are open for registration, covering preparation for:
- April ACT — April 11, 2026
- May SAT — May 2, 2026
- June ACT — June 13, 2026
- June SAT — June 6, 2026
- July ACT — July 11, 2026
Whether your student is aiming to improve a score, tackle the test for the first time, or navigate the uncertainty of a changing test format, MEK is ready to help them walk into that testing room with confidence.
Register for Spring 2026 classes today because the best way to handle the unexpected is to be prepared for everything.
