A new era of standardized testing is coming to Kentucky’s high schools.
Beginning in 2026, the SAT will replace the ACT as the state’s official college entrance exam for high school juniors.
The Kentucky Department of Education announced the shift after its contract with ACT expired. The new contract will save the Commonwealth up to $350,000 annually.
This change marks a significant departure from nearly two decades of state-funded ACT testing. While both exams are widely accepted by colleges, they have distinct differences.
The SAT is a shorter, digital test with sections for reading and writing combined, plus a separate math component.
The ACT, in contrast, is a longer, paper-based exam with four sections: English, math, reading, and science. The content also varies, with the SAT focusing on reasoning and problem-solving, while the ACT includes more advanced math concepts.
