ACT/SAT Test Taking

About this Indicator

The ACT is the dominant college admissions test in most Midwestern states, whereas the SAT is more widely used in Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan. Differences in educational policies likely contribute to the variation in ACT/SAT test-taking rates. For example, in 2020-21 some Midwestern states required public school districts to offer the ACT or SAT (Minnesota) or only the ACT (Kansas); required high school students to take the ACT (Nebraska, North Dakota, and Wisconsin); required high school students to take the SAT (Illinois); or required students to take the ACT or SAT (Ohio). The SAT requirement for high school students in Michigan was waived for spring of 2021.

ACT test-taking rates are measured as the percentage of 2021 public and private high school graduates who took the ACT as sophomores, juniors, or seniors. SAT test-taking rates are measured as the percentage of 2021 public and private high school graduates who took the SAT at any time during high school.

 

Data Source

ACT. The condition of college & career readiness.

College Board. SAT suite of assessments annual report.

WICHE. Knocking at the college door.