Which States Require the SAT Complete List

Which States Require the SAT Complete List SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips The College Board offers a program calledSAT School Day, which, as the name suggests, allows schools to offer the SAT to students during the week, generally for free. In some states, all high school juniors are required to take the SAT under this program, while in others only some are. Read on to learn more about this program and what it means for you. Why Do Some States Require the SAT? When statewide testing started, Colorado and Illinoisdecided to partner with ACT, Inc., to use the ACT as theassessment for 11th graders.This plan was meant to eliminate an extra test for students who were already planning to apply to college whilealso encouraging those who weren't planning for college to consider it.Over the nextdecade and a half, the two states became 20, and the ACT replaced the SAT as the most popular college admissions test in the US. In 2010, the College Board introduced a similar program (calledSAT School Day) that was meant to increase access to the SAT for low-incomestudents. Although the program caught on in a few places (most notably Delaware),the SAT wasn't as widely accepted as an assessment test because it'sgenerally considered totest aptitude rather than knowledge.For the 2014-15 school year, only threestates offeredthe SAT free to all juniors, though certaindistricts orschools did so in a handful more. However,the redesigned SAT (released in 2016) seems to be shifting the momentum.One of the primary goals of the overhaul was to align the SAT with Common Core standards,making it far more appealing as an assessment test than the older version of the test. Which States Require the SAT? In total, 20states (plus Washington, DC) are contracted with the College Board to administer the SAT to some or all juniors for free. Let's go through the exact situation for each state, one at a time. (Note that these statements only apply to public school students.) Colorado As ofthe 2016-17 school year, all Colorado juniors in public schools will take the SAT. Connecticut As ofthe 2015-16 school year, all Connecticut juniors will take the SAT. Delaware In 2016, the SAT replaced Delaware's Smarter Assessment state test for 11th graders. District of Columbia Although it's not required, the SAT is offered for free to all juniors and seniors in Washington, DC. Idaho Each year, Idaho offers a free administration of the SAT, though it is not required. Illinois Beginning with the 2016-17 school year, all Illinois juniors must take the SAT. Maine Historically, Maine has required the SAT of all juniors, but in 2015the Department of Education made the testoptional (though still free). Michigan Michigan administered the SAT to juniors statewide for the first time in the 2015-16 school year. Previously, students were given the ACT. New Hampshire As of spring 2016, all New Hampshire juniors must take the SAT. Ohio To graduate high school in Ohio, students must meet threshold scores on the SAT or ACT. Oklahoma Students in Oklahoma must take either the SAT or ACT, with the choice of test being determined by each individual school district. Rhode Island Since the 2017-18 school year, all Rhode Island 11th graders must take the SAT. South Carolina Students in South Carolina must take either the SAT or ACT. Which test you take will be determined by your school district. Tennessee Students must take either the SAT or ACT. West Virginia All juniors must take the SAT unless taking the West Virginia Alternative Summer Assessment. Other States There are a number of other states where some schools or districts can administer the SAT to their students (either as an option or a requirement). These states include Arizona, Florida, Maryland, Minnesota, New York, and Texas. What Does Statewide Testing Mean for Your SATPrep? The SATisthe same whether you take it on a regular test date or on a state-administered date.Nonetheless, there are afew things to keep in mind if you're required to take the exam. #1: AFree Test Because the state foots the bill for its own administration of the exam,you won't have to pay any fees to take the SATon that date.This discount might or might not be important for you, but if it is, make sure to study for the statewide testing date.This free SAT also comes with four free score reports. There are other resources for low-income families as well. You might be eligible for twoSAT fee waivers, soyou'd be able to take the test a total of three times if you don't get the score you want the first time. #2: Free Study Materials The College Board has partnered with Khan Academy to providefree official SAT study materials to everyone(you'll just need to sign up for a free account). Be sure to do some practice with these materials if you're planning to take the SAT. In addition, your schoolmight have teachers includesome SAT prep in their classesor offer extra prep opportunities to students who want them. #3: No Effect on the Curve Contrary to popular belief,when you take the SAT will have no effect on your score. The SAT isn't really curved- at least not in the same way your math test in class might be curved. Instead, your raw score (the number of questions you get right) for each SAT section isequated into a scaled score (between 200 and 800) using a somewhat mysterious process based on the College Board's data and analysis.As a result,you're never directly measured against other students who take the same SAT as you. What's Next? If you're definitelyplanning to take the SAT,check outthis full breakdown of the test, learnhow to study for the SAT,andget tips on how to find the best official practice materials. If you're stillnot sure whether you want to take the SAT or not,try this quizto see if you might be better at the ACT instead! What states require the ACT? Check out our full list to learn whether you'll need to take the ACT. Want to learn more about the SAT but tired of reading blog articles? Then you'll love our free, SAT prep livestreams. Designed and led by PrepScholar SAT experts, these live video events are a great resource for students and parents looking to learn more about the SAT and SAT prep. Click on the button below to register for one of our livestreams today!