As families begin to plan for ACT or SAT testing this winter, one significant difference between the tests has become even more critical: Paper vs. Digital. While the SAT is only available in a digital, adaptive format, the ACT can be taken in either a paper or digital format. If you are taking the ACT as part of school-day testing, you may not have a choice. But when you test on a national weekend date, you can choose your ACT modality. If you are unsure what option to choose, Seeley Test Pros/LEAP has the answers! We have watched thousands of students transition to the digital SAT and digital ACT. And again and again, a clear pattern has emerged:
Students generally feel more confident—and score higher—on the paper ACT.
Let's discuss why.
🎙️Listen to these conversations on Comparing Paper and Computer-Based Testing and Strategies for the Computer-Based ACT on the Tests and the Rest podcast.
📚 1. Paper Testing Supports Better Focus & Reading Comprehension
Reading long passages on a screen is simply harder for most students.
Studies repeatedly show that students:
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Read more slowly on screens
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Skim more
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Retain less
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Struggle with screen fatigue
The ACT Reading section is already fast-paced—adding a screen makes it even more challenging, especially considering the ACT was and still is written for the paper modality. What are the additional paper ACT advantages:
✔️ Students can annotate margins
✔️ Track where they are visually
✔️ Flip back and forth between questions
✔️ Avoid screen distractions and fatigue
✏️ 2. Students Work Faster & More Comfortably on Paper
It’s much easier to:
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Cross out answers
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Use a variety of marking strategies: circles, underlining, stars, and question marks
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Write out formulas
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Mark up science charts and graphs
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Sketch diagrams and tables
These small strategies make a big difference in timing—one of the most complex parts of the ACT.
Digital ACT limitations:
➡️ Annotation tools are clunky
➡️ You may lose time navigating menus
➡️ You can’t easily compare answers side-by-side
➡️ Scrolling slows students down
🔢 3. Math Performance Is Often Higher on Paper
For math problems, especially multi-step ones, students benefit from visualizing the entire problem at once.
On screens, math questions may require:
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Extra scrolling
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Smaller images/graphs
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Switching between windows
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Constantly resizing diagrams
With the paper ACT, the entire problem is visible at a glance—leading to fewer mistakes and more efficient work. Also, you can write your work directly next to the question.
⏱️ 4. Timing Is More Predictable and Less Stressful on Paper
The digital ACT relies on on-screen timers, which some students find stressful.
There’s also the anxiety of:
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Screens freezing
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Login delays
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Technical glitches
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Battery or device issues
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Inconsistent test-day tech setup at schools
The paper ACT is simple, stable, and predictable.
Students work at their own pace without worrying about technology.
🔄 5. The Paper ACT Allows Natural Test-Taking Strategies
Digital tests limit or prohibit:
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Flipping pages
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Checking work out of order
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Quickly reviewing skipped questions
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Seeing multiple questions at once
The paper ACT allows all of this. Students can visually plan their timing, eliminate answers, and keep their place—skills that often raise scores.
🎓 So… Should Most Students Choose the Paper ACT?
Our answer is YES!
Why?
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They work faster and more confidently on paper
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Math and Reading scores tend to be higher
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No technology risks
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Annotation and strategy tools work better on paper
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It offers the most traditional, predictable test environment
And remember:
The SAT is now digital-only.
If your student prefers the familiarity of paper—and performs better with a physical test booklet—the ACT gives them that option.
🧭 Next Steps: Which Test Is Right for Your Student?
Seeley Test Pros/LEAP can help your student make an informed, confident testing plan.
We offer:
✔️ SAT vs ACT planning sessions
✔️ Full-length diagnostic testing
✔️ 1:1 customized tutoring
✔️ Comprehensive ACT paper-test prep
✔️ Digital SAT strategy support
🙋 Questions? We’re Here to Help!
📞 Cleveland: 216-965-5162
📞 Cincinnati: 513-754-2240
📧 Email us at info@leaprogram.com
📝 For an individualized test plan for your student, complete the ACT/SAT Planning Request Form.