Episode Overview

Podcast: College Bound Mentor
Episode: New ACT & Testing Tips with Sean Quinn
Release Date: July 31, 2025
Host(s): Lisa Bleich, Abby Power, Stefanie Forman
Guest: Sean Quinn (Founder, Onsen Education)

This episode explores recent changes to the ACT exam—with a focus on its new shortened, digital format—and provides concrete strategies for effective standardized test prep, managing test anxiety, and decision-making amid the uncertainty of test-optional admissions. Lisa, Abby, and Stefanie interview seasoned test prep expert Sean Quinn, who brings both international and domestic perspectives to student mentorship and standardized test guidance.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Sean Quinn’s Background and Global Experience

[00:19–05:33]

• Sean shares his journey from working and teaching in Buenos Aires to founding Onsen Education in New York, and eventually returning to Argentina to support his family.
• He discusses his international reach, especially his work with European students (notably from Italy applying to Bocconi University) and Argentine students aiming for universities abroad.
  • "Back then it was less competitive than it is now. To get into Bocconi." — Sean Quinn [04:17]

2. Understanding the New ACT: Digital Format and Exam Structure

[06:14–09:58]

• Digital vs. Paper ACT: The US now offers both formats, while international students have digital only.
• Key Changes: Shorter test (44 fewer questions, 50 minutes less time), now includes embedded experimental (non-scored) questions.
  • "With the act, they made it shorter ... but they kept it a linear static test. And that has implications... on the predictability of the scoring system." — Sean Quinn [06:49]
• Volatility in Scoring: Fewer scored questions make each one count more; missing just one or two can drop your score significantly.
  • "You could miss one question and lose as many as two section points..." — Sean Quinn [08:08]
• Experimental Questions: Students won’t know which are experimental, increasing uncertainty in test strategy.

Notable Quote

• "Well, yeah, I mean, it's going to be less predictable. That volatility could go either way." — Sean Quinn [09:58]

3. ACT Science Section Goes Optional—But Should Students Skip It?

[11:39–15:13]

• Science Section Now Optional: ACT’s effort to address test length and the perception that science is challenging.
• Current Advice: Take the science section unless/until colleges clearly say it’s unnecessary—admissibility and score calculation practices are still uncertain at most institutions.
  • "Right now in 2025, I think we still all have to view that science is essentially mandatory for students who want to keep their options open." — Sean Quinn [12:12]
• Science Section Skills: It's mostly data interpretation and aligns closely with reading skills, not traditional science content.
  • "We've found over the years that it really aligns with the ACT reading section." — Sean Quinn [15:22]
• Confusion & Stress: Not knowing what “optional” really means adds anxiety to the test prep process.

4. Do New Changes Make the ACT Easier?

[16:02–19:25]

• The belief that more time per question will make the ACT easier isn't fully accurate—the easier questions were removed, meaning the remaining questions are mostly medium or hard.
  • "The questions that they cut tend to be the easier questions... so that additional time advantage is a little bit offset by the increased average difficulty." — Sean Quinn [16:51]
• The ACT’s content remains straightforward, but it is now a bit less accessible for students relying on speed.

Notable Exchange

• Abby: "Are you... saying they are kind of converging a little bit?"
  Sean: "In that sense, I don't think it's converging with the SAT too much. It remains its own distinct test..." [18:08–19:25]

5. Choosing ACT vs. SAT in 2025: Recommendations

[21:25–25:51]

• Paper-Based ACT: Strongly recommended for now—digital version's interface is clunky; paper allows annotation which is critical for many students.
  • "Being able to annotate the ACT on the paper version is a huge advantage..." — Sean Quinn [19:33]
• Digital Adaptations: Some students do better digitally, and future improvements (e.g., incorporation of DESMOS calculator and bring-your-own-device) are pending.
• Current Guidance: Most students are urged to start with SAT, as the ACT's volatility and practice limitations make it less predictable for 2025.

Notable Quote

• "Most students that come our way nowadays, the SAT is just the more predictable path to steady progress." — Sean Quinn [25:30]

6. The Challenge of Test Optional Policies and the Future of Testing

[39:06–43:43]

• Test Optional Is Not So Optional: Many high-achieving students feel pressure to submit scores, depending on school and demographics even if policies say "optional.”
  • "There are many students that test optional is not so optional. Right. And they do expect scores from certain types of students..." — Sean Quinn [40:11]
• Return of Mandatory Testing: Highly selective schools increasingly revert to requiring test scores, making clarity for students critical.
• International & U.S. Trends: More American students are considering international schools, and vice versa, due to cost and prestige factors.

7. Test Prep Strategy: When, How, and How Much?

[32:31–38:09]

• Start Early: Ideally, spring or summer after sophomore year. Take a digital SAT practice test under real conditions (not at home/in bed).
  • "Try to get outside of your comfort zone and practice." — Sean Quinn [00:04 & 32:31]
• Prep Structure: 1 hr verbal lessons & 1 hr math lessons per week; expect a 1:1 ratio of lesson time to independent study—around 4 hours/week.
  • "That's, that's identical to what we recommend." — Sean Quinn [35:21]

Notable Quote

• "My preference is to do consistent, smaller amounts of prep but over more time..." — Sean Quinn [32:31]

8. Managing Testing Anxiety and “Non-Test Taker” Mindset

[44:37–49:14]

• Mindfulness & Coaching: Sean’s company matches every student (at no extra cost) with a test day coach for breathing, visualization, and anxiety-management techniques.
  • "We started implementing what we call test day coaching, which are practical applications of mindfulness to the tutoring process..." — Sean Quinn [44:37]
• Challenge the “Not a Test-Taker” Label: Most students can improve with the right mindset and preparation—urge exploration of causes (e.g., unpreparedness, procrastination).
  • "Test taking is a skill you can learn and prepare for and put hard work in and get better at, like, any other skill." — Sean Quinn [48:58]

9. Mistakes to Avoid in Test Prep

[50:30–54:21]

• Don’t Cram: Intensive, short-term prep is less effective and increases stress—aim for a well-paced, consistent schedule.
• Do the Homework: Progress depends on effort outside of lessons.
• Use Official Materials for Diagnostics: Reserve third-party questions for homework, but rely on official ACT/SAT practice tests for benchmarking.
  • "Third party materials are great for homework... but not when scores are attached." — Sean Quinn [54:34]

10. Common Myths and Truths About Testing

[54:21–59:15]

• Myths Busted:
  • Don’t take official tests cold “just to try them.”
  • Don’t prep for both SAT and ACT simultaneously.
  • No, certain test dates aren’t easier/harder.
  • October SAT generally CAN be used for ED (Early Decision) deadlines.
• Truths:
  • "Colleges only care about your highest score." — Sean Quinn [58:45]
  • Georgetown is one of the only exceptions, requiring all scores.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Predictability and Scoring Volatility:
  "You could miss one question and lose as many as two section points, or if you miss two questions on ACT English, you could lose as much as one composite point on your score."
  — Sean Quinn [08:08]

• On Mindset:
  "Test taking is a skill you can learn and prepare for and put hard work in and get better at, like, any other skill."
  — Sean Quinn [48:58]

• On Uncertainty in Testing Policy:
  "Uncertainty... has led to what I think we've seen: a rise in anxiety with our students, unfortunately, especially around test taking."
  — Stephanie [44:02]

• On Value of Consistency Over Cramming:
  "It's always a little bit at a time because there's a limit to how much we can learn in a given day or a given week..."
  — Sean Quinn [50:58]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Sean’s International Journey & Experience – [00:19–05:33]
• ACT’s New Format Explained & Challenges – [06:14–11:39]
• Science Section Optional: Guidance for Students – [11:39–15:13]
• Is the ACT Actually Easier Now? – [16:02–19:25]
• Digital vs. Paper ACT: What to Choose – [19:33–25:51]
• Test Optional Trends & the Future – [39:06–43:43]
• How and When to Start Test Prep – [32:31–38:09]
• Managing Anxiety and Shifting Mindset – [44:37–49:14]
• Test Prep Mistakes & Best Practices – [50:30–55:22]
• Busting Testing Myths & Truths – [54:21–59:15]

Actionable Student Takeaways

• Start test prep early and practice under realistic, sometimes uncomfortable settings.
• Prioritize official SAT/ACT materials for diagnostic and practice tests.
• Do not cram; sustained, consistent study builds skills and confidence.
• Leverage all available support, especially mindfulness and anxiety-management resources.
• Clarify with each college their policy on science section and test optional nuances.
• Stay critical of test-related “myths”—apply strategic, evidence-based approaches instead.