Major Changes from College Board in 2025: What Students Need to Know

The College Board, the longstanding non-profit behind the SAT, AP exams, and college admissions tools, is undergoing significant transformation to better serve students. From a full-scale shift to digital testing and enhanced accessibility tools to new socio-economic insights in admissions, here are the most important updates as of August 2025.

Emerging Themes in College Board Updates

1. Full Digital Transformation of SAT & AP Exams

One of the most pivotal developments is the College Board’s move to digital testing formats for both the SAT and numerous AP exams.

• The SAT is now fully digital across the United States, having completed its nationwide launch on March 9, 2024. The new format is shorter (about 2 hours vs. 3), adaptive in structure, and features built-in tools like timers, flagging, and an integrated graphing calculator.

• Starting May 2025, the College Board plans to transition 28 AP exams to the digital format using the Bluebook platform. Among these:

  • 16 exams are fully digital (multimedia and written responses handled on device).

  • 12 exams will use a hybrid model: digital multiple-choice and paper for free-response.

These measures are clearly part of a broader modernization strategy. Students will take exams using their own devices (laptops, tablets, Chromebooks) or those supplied by schools/test centers; the College Board also offers technical support and practice tools, including test previews and video tutorials.

2. Enhanced Accessibility via Preparation Tools & Device Initiatives

To level the playing field:

• College Board has enhanced its partnership with Khan Academy to offer free, personalized SAT prep modules—including six full-length mock exams via the Bluebook App.

• Their Device Lending Initiative addresses digital access gaps, providing devices to students who cannot bring their own.

• Notably, in India, the India Scholars Program offers up to 90% off SAT registration fees for low-income students, although this is outside the USA scope.

3. SAT 2025–26 Registration & Test Calendar

Looking ahead, students—especially U.S. test-takers—should note the expanded SAT schedule:

Registration deadlines vary per test date.

Students are encouraged to register early, especially for key dates like August 23, 2025, which launches the 2025–26 SAT testing cycle.

4. Introducing “Landscape”: Socioeconomic Context in Admissions

In an effort to better contextualize SAT scores:

• The College Board is rolling out “Landscape”, a program that provides admissions officers with neighborhood and high school data—such as median family income, crime rates, and local college attendance—so they can see how well an applicant performed within context.

• This replaces the earlier controversial "adversity score" with a more transparent and multidimensional approach, and the data will be viewable by students and families within a year.

Landscape does not directly affect admission decisions; rather, it supplements them with equity-driven insights.

Key Takeaways

Here’s a breakdown of the major updates:

• Digital testing reforms are in full swing: SAT has fully transitioned; AP exams following in May 2025.

• Accessibility strengthened via prep partnerships and device loans.

• SAT schedule expanded: more testing dates in 2025–26 for greater flexibility.

• Landscape tool offers valuable context to admissions without biasing outcomes.

Why It Matters

These changes represent more than administrative tweaks—they signal a new era of inclusive, tech-forward standardized testing that meets students where they are:

• Efficiency & fairness: Shorter, digital, adaptive tests aim to reduce anxiety and logistical barriers.

• Equity & support: Prep tools and device programs help underserved students access opportunities.

• Transparency: Landscape helps admissions consider context, not just scores.

Call to Action: What Students and Educators Should Do Next

1. Familiarize yourself with Bluebook: take practice tests on the platform early.

2. Plan your SAT using the expanded schedule—consider multiple test dates to optimize scores.

3. Use free resources like Khan Academy to maximize prep.

4. Stay informed about the rollout of the Landscape tool and what it may reveal about your testing context.

Final Thoughts

The College Board’s push toward digital innovation, accessibility, and contextual fairness marks a meaningful shift in how standardized testing serves diverse learners. For students across the U.S., embracing these tools means stepping forward into a testing environment that’s modern, equitable, and more attuned to the human behind the score.