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States that Require the ACT or SAT

SAT required in 8 states

6 min read

Introduction to State Requirements

The SAT is required in 8 states. These states are Delaware, District of Columbia, Idaho, Maine, Michigan, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin. Students in these states must take the SAT as part of their high school graduation requirements. The SAT is 2 hours 14 minutes long.

ACT Requirements

The ACT is required in 13 states. These states are Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Utah, and Wyoming. Students in these states must take the ACT as part of their high school graduation requirements. The ACT is 2 hours 14 minutes long.

State Requirements and College Admissions

While some states require the SAT or ACT, many colleges require or recommend scores from one or both tests. Students should check the requirements for their desired colleges. The SAT scores run 400 to 1600, with each section scored from 200 to 800. Students can prepare for the test by practicing with sample questions.

Preparing for the Test

Students can prepare for the SAT by taking practice tests and reviewing their results. The Digital SAT is section adaptive, meaning the first module decides whether the second module is the easier or harder one. Students can use this information to focus their studying. They can also practice with sample questions to improve their scores.

Tradeoffs in Test Preparation

Students who prepare for the SAT must balance their studying with other schoolwork and activities. They may need to spend less time on other subjects or activities to prepare for the test. The tradeoff is that preparing for the SAT can improve their scores and increase their college options. Students should plan their studying carefully to make the most of their time.

Conclusion

Students in states that require the SAT or ACT must take the test as part of their high school graduation requirements. They should check the requirements for their desired colleges and prepare for the test by practicing with sample questions. The SAT is 2 hours 14 minutes long, and scores run 400 to 1600. Students can use this information to prepare and improve their scores.

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