In Illinois, all juniors must take the SAT as a graduation requirement. A student may want to take the ACT, too, to determine if that test highlights a student’s abilities better. The SAT and ACT are different tests that in many ways measure different skills. If you would like to see how the SAT compares to the ACT, click here. Both tests are used for college-based admissions and merit scholarship consideration.
Note: there are test-optional and test flexible policies at some schools - see Fairtest for a list of those schools. Keep in mind that the majority of schools still require standardized test scores.
Important:
- ACT and SAT test scores are not included on a student's transcript; they must be sent separately to colleges.
- Non-Saturday testing for both the ACT and SAT is available only for students who are unable to take the test on a Saturday due to religious convictions.
Preparing for the Tests
- Niles West offers an SAT test prep class that usually runs for eight weeks on Saturdays and Sundays and before/after school, beginning in January through March. Be on the lookout for class times, fees, and registration information. Students will take a 3-hour mock exam on the last day of class, which is great practice for the real experience.
- Free test prep resources can be found on the ACT and SAT websites and through Khan Academy. Note: Niles West does not endorse any test prep companies or individuals.
- Eat breakfast and get a good night’s sleep before the exam.
ACT TEST
Students may register for the ACT online at www.act.org. The basic test costs $60.00, and the exam with the optional writing test is $85.00. Fee waivers are available.
National ACT Dates for 2021-2022
Niles West's test center code is 143-926
Test Date | Registration | Late Registration |
|---|---|---|
September 11, 2021 | August 6, 2021 | August 20, 2021 |
October 23, 2021 | September 17, 2021 | October 3, 2021 |
December 11, 2021 | November 5, 2021 | November 19, 2021 |
February 12, 2022 | January 7, 2022 | January 21, 2022 |
April 2, 2022 | February 25, 2022 | March 11, 2022 |
June 11, 2022 | May 6, 2022 | May 20, 2022 |
July 16, 2022 | June 17, 2022 | June 24, 2022 |
SAT TEST
Niles West offers the required SAT for free during the school day, typically in April for Juniors; registration is done in school. Benefits include taking the test in familiar surroundings and no changes to your weekday schedule. For other SAT exam dates, students may register online at www.collegeboard.org. The basic test costs $55.00, and the exam with the optional essay portion is $85.00. Fee waivers are available.
National SAT Dates for 2021-2022
Niles West's test center code is 143-926
Test Date | Registration | Late Registration |
|---|---|---|
August 28, 2021 | July 30, 2021 | August 17, 2021 |
October 2, 2021 | September 3, 2021 | September 21, 2021 |
November 6, 2021 | October 8, 2021 | October 26, 2021 |
December 4, 2021 | November 4, 2021 | November 23, 2021 |
March 12, 2022, SAT I only | February 11, 2022 | March 1, 2022 |
| April 2022, State Testing | ||
May 7, 2021 | April 8, 2022 | April 26, 2022 |
June 4, 2022 | May 65, 2022 | May 25, 2022 |
Advanced Placement (AP) Exams
Advanced Placement Exams provide high school students the opportunity to study at an advanced college level. AP Exams take place during the first two full weeks of May at specific times for specific exams. Students may qualify to receive college credit, depending on the scores they receive; scores are on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest. Individual college websites have details/guidelines about which AP scores, credits, and courses will transfer and provide credit to a student.
Test dates: May 2 - 13, 2022
| Date | Morning (8:00 AM) | Afternoon (12:00 PM) |
| May 2, 2022 | United States Government & Politics | Chemistry Spanish Literature & Culture |
| May 3, 2022 | Environmental Sciences | Psychology |
| May 4, 2022 | English Literature & Composition | Comparative Government & Politics Computer Science A |
| May 5, 2022 | Macroeconomics | Statistics |
| May 6, 2022 | European History United States History | Microeconomics |
| May 9, 2022 | Calculus AB Calculus BC | Computer Science & Principles |
| May 10, 2022 | English Language & Composition | Physics C: Mechanics (12:00 PM) Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism (2:00 PM) |
| May 11, 2022 | Chinese Language and Culture Spanish Language and Culture | Biology |
| May 12, 2022 | French Language and Culture World History | Physics 1: Algebra-Based |
| May 13, 2022 | German Language & Culture Music Theory | Physics 2: Algebra-Based |
ACT/SAT FAQ
Do colleges/universities have a preference between the ACT and SAT?
No, they do not have a preference between the two tests anymore. The tests are treated equally in terms of admission.
What is the difference between the ACT and SAT?
The SAT is offered 8x per year. The test has two required sections: Math & Evidence-Based Reading & Writing. The scores are added together to provide a composite score on a scale of 400-1600. There is an optional essay that does not affect the total score. The exam takes 3 hours or 3 hours and 50 minutes with the optional essay. In general, the SAT gives you more time to think through questions than the ACT. There is no penalty for guessing.
The ACT is offered 7x per year. It has four sections: English, Reading, Math, and Science. There is an optional essay that does not affect the composite score. The scores are averaged together to calculate a composite score out of 36, with separate scores for STEM, Writing, and English/Language Arts if the optional essay is taken. The exam takes 2 hours and 55 minutes or 3 hours and 40 minutes with the optional essay. There is no penalty for guessing.
Should students send the free score reports when signing up for the ACT and SAT?
This is a personal decision, but we encourage students to take advantage of the four free scores the exams provide when registering. We suggest students send them to colleges where they are more certain of admission, although colleges will consider the highest overall score that is sent to them. The College Board does allow students to send the free scores within nine days of taking the SAT - before the scores are known. Some colleges require students to send all of their test scores, so sending them ahead of time can save money.