With the rapid approach of spring also comes the dreaded exam season. However, one such thing is different this year: the SAT, which has become a massive institution in every high schoolers life, is becoming nothing more than a memory, as many states are making moves to switch to its counterpart, the ACT.
Among other circumstances, one of the main reasons for this switch comes from the expiration of the College Board (the non profit that operates the distribution of the SAT) and the Illinois State Board of Education’s (ISBE) contract. Instead of renewing the previous agreement, the ISBE offered a contract with the ACT.
Along with the expiration of the contract, another main reason for the switch comes from the ease and practicality of the ACT in comparison to the SAT.
“Positives of switching include more straightforward questions; the ACT has more direct wording while the SAT can sometimes use tricky phrasing,” said Cindy Egizio, associate principal of curriculum and instruction. “The ACT format is consistent from test to test.”
Since the ACT provides a more universal format, students can find themselves having an easier time with the questions. The ACT also does a better job at generalizing the standardized tests that high school students in Illinois are required to take, combining most of the core subjects.
“The ACT includes science, which means we do not have to give the Illinois Science Assessment. This is one less mandated test that we need to do,” said Egizio.
While the ACT does take students longer to complete, this is virtually the only real downside to making this switch. The Act is all around the better option, offering a more concise and complete testing experience.
However, in recent years, many universities across the country have opted to become test optional, meaning that students have the option to omit their test scores from their college applications.
Of course, submitting a shiny test score along with a resume full of extracurriculars is bound to increase a person’s chances of getting into a good college. But what more and more colleges are realizing, is that a silly score is not the defining factor on if a person should be admitted to their institution.
This also does not take into account whether or not this hypothetical person would be going to university in the first place. Standardized tests such as the ACT often serve as a guide for students in figuring out if college is the right fit.
“Honestly, I don’t think either test prepares you for college,” said Egizio. “[The SAT and ACT] both assess critical thinking and academic skills to see if college would be something they would/could do.”
With more and more colleges taking a holistic approach to the application process, students have more freedom and flexibility while applying.
“… a test score is just one piece of the puzzle. I’m glad schools are starting to see the person behind the score,” said Egizio.
