The State of Illinois has recently announced a new policy that will go into effect for the class of 2023, under which all juniors will be required to take the SAT^® for free during the school day. This policy is aimed at providing more equitable access to college entrance exams and reducing the financial burden on families. The State will cover the cost of the test, eliminating the need for students and their families to pay for the exam out of pocket.

This move is a significant step towards addressing the issue of equity in college admissions, as students from low-income families and underrepresented communities often face barriers in accessing and affording college entrance exams. By making the SAT^® available to all juniors for free, the State of Illinois is leveling the playing field and giving all students an equal opportunity to showcase their academic abilities and pursue higher education.

The new policy also aligns with the growing trend of colleges and universities becoming test-optional, recognizing: 

• Test scores alone do not accurately reflect a student's academic potential or readiness for college. 
• This policy will increase the number of students who take the SAT^® and apply to colleges.
• There will be an increase in college enrollment and completion rates among Illinois students.

It's worth noting that this policy does not make the SAT^® a graduation requirement and it will not affect the student's ability to graduate. However, students should be aware that many colleges and universities still require SAT^® or ACT^® scores as part of the college admissions process, and they should check the specific requirements of the schools they are interested in attending to determine if they will need to take the test. Niche is a great resource for students to begin their search for colleges and universities and check for test and score requirements.

Overall, this new policy by the State of Illinois is a positive step towards creating a more equitable college admissions process and providing all students with the opportunity to pursue higher education. It is important for students and families to stay informed about the policy and plan accordingly to ensure they take advantage of this opportunity. Here is a link to the Illinois State Board of Education and most recent testing information with Spring 2023 Testing Sites.