How can students focus on gaining ACT or SAT test points when questions about college entrance exams can feel even more daunting than the exams themselves. We are here to help! The state of Ohio offers every high school junior one state-funded ACT or SAT. This provides every student with a college entrance exam.

The term “test-optional” was adopted by hundreds of colleges prior to the pandemic and nearly all colleges during the pandemic. However, some colleges have returned to requiring standardized test scores while others implemented test “flexible” options, and others are completely test blind. Test policies vary by institution, major or even scholarship programs, so it is important to understand the policies. 

Here are a few things to know before deciding if and where you should send your scores.

KNOW THE POLICIES: 

✅Test Optional – Applicants can opt to not send ACT or SAT scores as part of their college application. Note that some academic programs/majors as well as scholarship opportunities may still require scores. 

✅Test Blind – Even if an applicant submits scores, the scores will not be seen nor considered in admissions.

✅Test Preferred or Recommended – Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their scores.

✅Test Required – All applicants must submit at least one complete score from the ACT or SAT. 

✅Test Flexible – Applicants may be able to submit alternative test scores (for example, Advanced Placement exam scores) instead of an ACT or SAT score.

KNOW THE TESTS: 

✅ The PSAT and SAT

• *Both are delivered on a digital platform called “Bluebook” that is compatible with Macs and PCs. (Bluebook will only work on Chromebooks when controlled by school networks.) 
• *These tests are only available online with very limited exceptions for some students with accommodations. 
• *Both use multistage adaptive testing. Each test section (Reading/Writing and Math) is divided into two equal-length, separately timed parts. Student performance in the first module determines the questions they receive in the second module. 

✅ ACT

• *The ACT is broken up into four sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science. 
• *The ACT is NOT adaptive and is offered on both paper and online. 
• *Science is no longer a piece of the composite score. 
• *Both Science and Writing sections are optional. It is rarely our recommendation that a student should take the ACT optional sections. 
• *School districts are required by the state of Ohio to provide the ACT including the Science section. Some school districts in our area have changed to offer the SAT instead. 

Other Common Questions: 

What is the PSAT?
Some think the PSAT is simply a practice test—an indicator of where a student may score on the SAT. Most don’t know that the PSAT is the qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship Program for juniors. The PSAT is a digital test that is delivered by a student’s high school in the fall. In fall 2026, the PSAT/NMSQT can be offered on weekdays during the testing window of October 1-30 as well as Saturday, October 17.

Is the SAT or ACT better?
The ACT leads the market in our area of southwest Ohio with most high schools offering the ACT as their state-sponsored test. In college admissions, however, there is no preference for the ACT or SAT–both are accepted and considered equally. Still, some students might opt to try both the ACT and the SAT, and many students will experience at least one Preliminary SAT (PSAT) at their high school. At Class 101-Dayton, we assist our students in determining which test and format is best for them. 

Do I need a test score to apply to college?
There is not a simple answer to this question. Many colleges remain test-optional, while others require ACT or SAT scores. Some students should send their test scores to every college they apply to, and some students should apply to all of their colleges “test optional.” Still other students will send their scores to some schools but apply test-optional to others. This decision is about more than the score. It depends on your college list, GPA, high school transcript, major interest/area of study, and your college preferences for honors, accelerated, or other specialized programs. 

Do all juniors have to take the state sponsored ACT or SAT in their high school?
A parent or guardian can opt their student out of taking the state-funded ACT or SAT. Schools are still required to offer one state-funded test (ACT or SAT) at no cost to all eleventh grade students. 

Class 101-Dayton Test Prep Courses 

In addition to one to one support, all Class 101-Dayton students can access our test prep courses. 

CLASS 101 TEST PREP DATES FOR JUNIORS 

✅ACT & SAT/PSAT Practice Tests at Class 101: Saturday, September 12, 9 a.m.

✅ Fall PSAT/SAT Review: Sundays, 2-4:30 p.m., 9/13 to 10/4
This four week review offers juniors a chance to practice the format for the online PSAT or SAT tests with time to review key strategies and question types. Students who join this review should register for the October and/or November SAT. To register for the SAT, students can create their account on https://mysat.collegeboard.org/login. Students are registered for the PSAT by their high school. PSAT testing may occur on a school day between October 1–30 or on Saturday, October 17, 2026.

✅ Fall ACT Class: Mondays, 6-8 p.m., 9/14 to 10/12
This five week course provides a baseline prep for students who will take their first ACT in October. To sign up for the ACT, students should create an account on act.org using a personal email address and sign up for the October 17th test. Never automatically send scores to colleges. 

✅ Winter ACT Classes for Juniors for the February 27 ACT and in school ACTs
Monday nights: January 11, 18, 25, and February 1, 8, 15, and 22 from 6 to 8 p.m.
Classes for the in school tests may continue on Monday nights in March once students know their high school test dates. The early deadline to register for the national February 27 ACT test date is January 22.

✅ Winter SAT and all CLT test prep is offered individually to Class 101 students

Class 101-Dayton will stay ahead of the changes coming to testing as we design the best prep and resources for our students. Reach out to us at 937-705-5113 to learn more.