For the first time, juniors will be taking the SAT test instead of the ACT test April 5.

“The contract with the ACT went up at the state level so the State of Illinois made the decision to switch for the SAT. The decision was made by the State of Illinois and not our school district,” division head of counseling Len Egan said.

Juniors taking the SAT need to know the differences between the ACT and the SAT.

“The biggest differences that will impact students is the scoring scale. The ACT test was scored on a scale up to 36 points and the SAT is scored up to 1600 points. Also, the math section includes a free response section where students have to come up with their own answers,” Egan said.

Egan advises juniors to practice over spring break so they can be prepared to take the test.

“Whatever score you get will determine your admissions, scholarship money, and different opportunities that may be available after high school. Students should practice to get the most out of the SAT,” Egan said.

Students can take free practice tests online through College Board or Khan Academy.

Egan advises students to take both the ACT and SAT test if they are unsure on which test they will get a higher score on.

“The two tests are a little bit different so students may do better on one test than the other. A college would take the best standardized test score,” Egan said.

The PSAT that took place in the fall gives students who took it an advantage over the students who did not.

“There are a couple benefits for the PSAT. It is designed by the same company as SAT so the test will be similar to the SAT. Also, whatever score somebody received for the PSAT is the same score they are projected to get for the SAT,” Egan said.

Juniors are taking the SAT in the fieldhouse. Seating assignments for the test are posted outside of the commons.