The ETS–ACT Merger: What College Applicants & Parents Must Know

The college admissions world is undergoing one of its biggest shifts in decades: ETS has acquired ACT, merging two of the most influential testing organizations in the U.S. and globally. This move will reshape how students demonstrate readiness, how colleges evaluate applicants, and how standardized testing evolves in a test‑optional era.

📊 The Testing Landscape: SAT, ACT, Neither, or Both

Before diving into the merger, families need to understand the current testing reality:

•    47% of students take the SAT
•    36% take the ACT
•    ~30–35% take no standardized test
•    ~10–15% take both the SAT and ACT

These numbers don’t add up to 100% because:

•    A large share of students now apply test‑optional
•    Some students take both exams, creating overlap
•    Participation rates measure test‑takers, not the entire student population

This context is essential for understanding why the ETS–ACT merger matters.

📈 What the ETS–ACT Merger Means

1. A New Era of Standardized Testing

ETS (creator of the GRE and TOEFL) and ACT (creator of the ACT exam and WorkKeys) now operate under one umbrella. This merger combines:

•    ETS’s global assessment infrastructure
•    ACT’s deep U.S. school partnerships
•    Both organizations’ focus on digital, AI‑enhanced skill measurement

The result: a more unified, modernized testing ecosystem.

2. More Emphasis on Skills, Not Just Scores

ACT’s WorkKeys and ETS’s credentialing systems measure real‑world competencies. Together, they may push colleges to value:

•    Problem‑solving
•    Analytical reasoning
•    Career readiness
•    Communication skills
•    Digital literacy

Expect admissions offices to expand beyond traditional test scores.

3. Expanded Access & Equity

ACT’s relationships with state education systems give ETS broader reach. This may lead to:

•    More accessible testing options
•    Expanded fee‑waiver programs
•    Greater support for underserved communities

4. Stabilizing ACT Participation

With only 36% of students taking the ACT, the exam has lost ground to the SAT. The merger may revitalize ACT through:

•    Updated digital formats
•    Stronger score‑reporting tools
•    Integration with ETS’s measurement science

🔍 What This Means for Next Year’s Applicants

1. Expect More Testing Options

Families may see:

•    New ACT formats
•    More digital testing
•    Flexible scheduling
•    Enhanced score analytics

2. Colleges May Expand Skills‑Based Review

Admissions offices could increasingly value:

•    WorkKeys credentials
•    Skills badges
•    Competency‑based assessments
•    Evidence of career readiness

3. Test‑Optional Isn’t Going Away

Even with testing innovation, colleges will continue:

•    Test‑optional pathways
•    Holistic review
•    Nuanced evaluation of submitted scores

4. Students Should Stay Flexible

Because the ACT may evolve, applicants should:

•    Monitor ACT format changes
•    Compare SAT vs ACT based on strengths
•    Consider whether skills‑based credentials strengthen their profile

🎯 Bottom Line for Families

The ETS–ACT merger is more than a corporate acquisition — it’s a major shift in how student readiness will be measured. Expect:

•    More innovation
•    More skills‑based evaluation
•    More access
•    Continued evolution of admissions criteria

For applicants, staying informed and strategic is essential.

🚀 Need Guidance Choosing the Right Standardized Test?

If you want expert guidance navigating standardized testing changes and building a competitive admissions strategy, AdmissionsConsultants can help.

👉 Call us at 1.800.809.0800 or click the “Book a Meeting” link below!