About this Indicator
High school students predominantly take the ACT in most Midwestern states, whereas the SAT is more widely used in Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan. ACT/SAT test-taking rates, combined with benchmark scores, can be used to help assess the academic preparedness of high school graduates for college-level coursework. When interpreting test performance over time and across states, it is critical to account for differences in test-taking rates. States with high test-taking rates, often due to state or district mandates, typically show lower average scores because they include a broader range of students, some of whom might not have taken the test voluntarily. In contrast, states with voluntary testing tend to have higher average scores, as the students who take the SAT or ACT are usually more motivated and academically prepared. This self-selection can lead to higher scores, even if the overall college readiness level is similar to states with higher participation rates.
States with relatively high test-taking rates typically have policies that facilitate or require test taking. For example, in 2022-23, Kansas and Missouri required school districts to offer the ACT to all high school juniors, while Minnesota required school districts to offer either the ACT or SAT. Other states required high school students to take the ACT (Nebraska and Wisconsin), the SAT (Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan), or either the ACT or SAT (Ohio). In North Dakota, the majority of school districts required high school students to take the ACT for state accountability purposes. In addition, six states (Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, and Wisconsin) offer all public high school students the opportunity to take one ACT/SAT test free of charge.
ACT test-taking rates are measured as the percentage of 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 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.