The SAT is the New Standard in Kentucky: What Parents Need to Know
For years, Kentucky high school students and their families have associated college readiness with the ACT. It was the test everyone took, the score everyone understood, and the benchmark for state scholarships and college admissions. Now, the landscape has changed. Kentucky has shifted to the SAT as its new standard accountability assessment, and this transition has significant implications for your child’s path to college.
As a parent, you want to ensure your child is fully prepared for this new reality. What does this change mean for test preparation? How is the SAT different from the ACT? Most importantly, what steps should you take to help your child succeed in this new environment?
This guide will answer those questions. We’ll break down Kentucky’s shift to the SAT, explain the key differences in the test, and outline how your family can build a strategic plan for success.
Why the Big Change? Understanding Kentucky’s Move to the SAT
State education departments periodically review and update their standardized testing contracts to ensure they are using the most effective and relevant tools to measure student achievement. Kentucky’s decision to adopt the SAT as the state-funded college entrance exam for all public high school juniors reflects a broader trend. Many states are embracing the SAT due to its alignment with current high school curricula and its recent transition to a digital format.
Starting in spring 2026, all Kentucky public high school juniors will take the SAT once for free during the school day, as the state has contracted with the College Board to provide it as the required college entrance exam—replacing the ACT for state funding. While colleges across the country will continue to accept both the ACT and the SAT, this statewide mandate makes the SAT the default, and often primary, focus for students across the Commonwealth.
The SAT vs. The ACT: What’s Different?
Understanding the fundamental differences between the two tests is the first step in creating an effective prep strategy. While both are designed to measure college readiness, they do so in distinct ways.
Test Structure and Pacing
The SAT is now a fully digital, adaptive test. This means the difficulty of the questions in the second module of each section (Reading & Writing and Math) changes based on your child's performance in the first module. The test is shorter than the ACT, clocking in at around two hours and 15 minutes.
The SAT’s format consists of:
Reading and Writing: This single section combines questions that were previously in separate reading and writing sections. It features very short passages, each followed by a single question.
Math: This section is divided into two modules. A calculator is now permitted on the entire math section. It places a heavy emphasis on algebra and data analysis.
In contrast, the ACT is a longer test with three distinct sections (English, Math, Reading) with optional Science and Writing sections. It is known for its faster pace, requiring students to answer more questions in less time.
Key Content Differences
Math Focus: The SAT focuses heavily on Algebra I & II and data analysis. The ACT covers a broader range of math topics, including more geometry and trigonometry.
The "Science" Question: The ACT includes an optional Science section that tests a student's ability to interpret charts, graphs, and conflicting scientific viewpoints. The SAT embeds similar data-interpretation questions throughout its Math and Reading & Writing sections but does not have a separate science score.
Reading Style: The SAT uses many short reading passages, which can be beneficial for students who struggle with reading endurance. The ACT features longer, more traditional reading passages that test stamina and comprehension over extended texts.
How This Shift Impacts Your Child’s College Prep
With the SAT now serving as the state-mandated exam, your child’s preparation strategy needs to adapt.
First, your child has a valuable, free opportunity to take the SAT during the school day. This provides a baseline score and a real-world testing experience without the pressure of a weekend test date.
Second, high school counselors and teachers across Kentucky will become increasingly fluent in the language of the SAT. This creates a supportive school environment where SAT prep resources and advice will be more readily available.
However, this does not mean the ACT is no longer an option. For some students, the ACT format may still be a better fit for their academic strengths. The best approach is to have your child take a practice version of both tests to see which one feels more natural and where they score higher. The decision should be strategic, not simply based on the state’s default choice.
Your Path to SAT Success: Group Prep vs. One-on-One Tutoring
Once you’ve decided to focus on the SAT, the next step is effective preparation. Simply taking the test is not enough; mastering its format and content is what leads to top scores. At Educational Resources, we offer two distinct pathways to help students excel.
Group Test Prep: Collaborative and Comprehensive
Our group SAT prep classes offer a dynamic and structured learning environment. These programs are ideal for students who thrive on collaboration and benefit from a curriculum that covers all aspects of the test in a systematic way.
Benefits of group prep include:
Expert Instruction: Led by our highly trained tutors, each session provides in-depth content review and strategic test-taking techniques.
Peer Motivation: Learning alongside other motivated students can create a positive and encouraging atmosphere, making the prep process more engaging.
Structured Schedule: A set class schedule helps students stay on track and ensures all material is covered before test day.
Cost-Effectiveness: Group classes are an affordable way to access high-quality, professional test preparation.
One-on-One Tutoring: Personalized and Targeted
For students who need a more individualized approach, one-on-one tutoring offers a completely customized experience. This is the perfect option for students with unique learning styles, significant score improvement goals, or busy schedules.
Benefits of one-on-one tutoring include:
Tailored Curriculum: Our tutors design a prep plan based entirely on your child’s diagnostic test results, focusing on their specific areas of weakness and opportunity.
Flexible Pacing: The tutor adjusts the pace of each lesson to match the student’s ability to absorb the material, spending more time on challenging topics.
Individualized Strategies: Tutors can teach strategies that play directly to your child’s personal strengths, whether it's a unique way to tackle math problems or a better approach to time management.
Maximum Flexibility: Sessions can be scheduled around your child’s sports, extracurricular activities, and other commitments.
Take the Next Step Today
The shift to the SAT in Kentucky is a significant change, but it’s also an opportunity. With the right information and a strategic preparation plan, your child can confidently meet this new standard and open the door to their dream colleges and valuable scholarships. Don't let this transition catch your family by surprise.
At Educational Resources, we are here to guide you through every step of the process. Our proven programs and expert tutors provide the support your child needs to achieve their best possible score.
Explore our comprehensive SAT prep programs today. Let us help your child turn this new challenge into a story of academic success.
About the Author: Lindsay O’Brien
Lindsay O'Brien is the active Executive Director of Educational Resources in Louisville, KY. Previously, she spent over 10 years as a teacher before transitioning to tutoring and standardized test preparation.