Starting in 2025, the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) has made a significant change that will affect all high school students in our state. The ISBE has decided to switch from the SAT to ACT as the mandatory and free college admissions test for public school juniors. This change comes because the contract with the College Board, which administers the SAT, ended on June 30, 2024, allowing the ACT corporation to make a winning bid.
This shift means all students who aren’t seniors will need to adjust their test preparation strategies. While the ACT and SAT are both college admissions tests, they each have different formats and focus areas. The ACT includes an English/grammar, math, reading, and science, with an optional writing section. In general, the questions are more direct and memory based. On the other hand, the SAT focuses on evidence-based reading, English, and math, with an optional essay and no science portion. Understanding and preparing for these differences will be crucial for effective preparation.
One of the most significant benefits of this change is that the ACT, which is more widely accepted throughout the Midwest region, will be provided for free to all public high school juniors in Illinois, just like the SAT was. This will ensure every student has the opportunity to take a college admission test without worrying about the cost, and will be especially beneficial for students who couldn’t afford the test otherwise.
Most colleges and universities in the United States accept both the SAT and ACT scores. However, some students might feel more comfortable with one test over the other. With the switch to the ACT, students will need to become familiar with the test format and content to perform their best. Schools and teachers may shift their focus to provide resources and lessons specifically for the ACT, just as they have in the past with the SAT. This might include new prep courses, practice tests, and study materials tailored to the ACT format.
While the difficulties changes bring are inevitable, so are the new opportunities they present. The switch from the SAT to the ACT means students will need to adapt, but with the right preparation and resources, they can succeed. Embrace the change, take advantage of free testing, and use available resources to prepare effectively. Good luck to all HSHS students as you navigate this transition!
