Parents, Pay Attention: Why Kentucky’s Big Testing Shake-Up Has Everyone Talking

Kentucky’s Move from ACT to SAT: What Students Need to Know

By Dr. Shaan Patel, CEO & Founder of Prep Expert®

For nearly two decades, Kentucky high school juniors have taken the ACT as their state-mandated college admissions exam. But starting this year, the Kentucky Department of Education has announced a major shift: students will now take the SAT instead.

While the transition has created uncertainty among teachers, parents, and students, it also brings opportunities, especially for those who prepare strategically. As someone who earned a perfect SAT score and has spent my career helping over 100,000 students improve theirs, I believe this shift could actually benefit students in significant ways.

Why the Switch to SAT Matters

The SAT and ACT may both measure college readiness, but they aren’t identical exams. For many Kentucky students, the SAT will be a completely new experience. Here’s what sets it apart:

• Shorter test length: The SAT is now fully digital and runs just over two hours, compared to the ACT’s three.
• Fewer questions, more time: Students have less than 100 questions total and more time to answer each one.
• Simpler structure: Reading passages are shorter, obscure vocabulary has been removed, and there’s less emphasis on rote memorization.

For students, this could be a welcome change, but only if they approach it with the right preparation.

The Digital SAT Advantage

Kentucky’s move comes as the SAT has evolved into a fully digital, adaptive test. This format tailors questions to each student’s performance in real time, creating a more efficient testing experience.

Students also benefit from:

• Flexible scheduling: Schools will have an expanded window to administer the SAT, rather than locking students into one fixed test day.
• Familiar platforms: Many districts already work with the College Board through Advanced Placement (AP) courses, which should make the transition smoother.

However, this new testing landscape also means students and teachers will need to rethink their preparation strategies.

Why Standardized Testing Still Matters

Some families may be wondering if this change even matters in an age of test-optional admissions. The reality is that test scores still carry significant weight:

• More colleges are reinstating requirements: Top universities like Yale, Dartmouth, Brown, and MIT now require SAT or ACT scores again to address grade inflation and ensure admissions fairness.
• Scholarship opportunities: Higher SAT scores can unlock thousands in merit aid, potentially lowering or even eliminating student debt.
• Competitive advantage: With selective schools receiving record numbers of applications, strong test scores can set students apart.

In short, students should view this change not as a hurdle but as an opportunity.

How Kentucky Students Should Prepare

Switching from the ACT to the SAT isn’t just about adjusting to a new test, it’s about adopting a new strategy. Here’s what students can do to get ready:

1. Start early: Begin practicing at least six months before your test date to build familiarity and confidence.
2. Use official SAT tools: The College Board offers free prep materials and practice exams, which students should incorporate into their study plans.
3. Invest in structured prep: Programs like Prep Expert®’s SAT courses provide proven strategies for mastering the digital format, taught by instructors who scored in the top 1%.
4. Practice under real conditions: Simulate test-day timing and adaptivity to build stamina and improve pacing.
5. Focus on weaknesses: The SAT’s adaptive nature makes targeted preparation even more critical to maximizing your score.

The Role of Schools and Parents

Kentucky schools will play a key role in supporting students through this transition, but parents can also make a major impact:

• Encourage consistent, manageable prep schedules instead of last-minute cramming.
• Use the summer months to work on SAT strategies while students have fewer academic demands.
• Communicate with schools about available resources and timelines as the testing window approaches.

Students who build strong support systems, combining self-study, school guidance, and structured programs, will be best positioned to succeed.

Final Thoughts

Kentucky’s transition from the ACT to the SAT is a significant change, but it’s also an opportunity for students to gain an edge in college admissions and scholarships. With the right preparation and resources, students can turn this shift into a major advantage.

At Prep Expert®, we’ve helped students improve their SAT scores by hundreds of points, opening doors to top universities and six-figure scholarship offers. For Kentucky families navigating this change, starting early and preparing strategically can make all the difference.

Because while the test has changed, one thing hasn’t: students who prepare smarter still win.

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Dr. Shaan Patel is a Shark Tank winner, bestselling author, and founder of Prep Expert®, an education company that has helped over 100,000 students improve test scores, win scholarships, and gain admission to top universities. He scored a perfect SAT and is passionate about expanding access to education worldwide.