Illinois high school juniors face a new challenge in 2025: the state now requires the ACT for graduation, replacing the SAT. While the ACT is covered by the state and taken during school hours, students aiming for top college applications and scholarships can still independently register for the SAT. Here’s how you can turn this into an advantage:

ACT as Practice: Use the state-mandated ACT to sharpen test-taking skills.
SAT for College Edge: Aiming for a 1400+ SAT score can boost applications and unlock scholarship opportunities.
Plan Early: Start preparing in sophomore year for maximum improvement.
Targeted Prep Tools: Use resources like ChatSAT for efficient study plans, adaptive drills, and progress tracking.
Key SAT Dates: Registration and test deadlines are critical - mark your calendar for December 2025 through June 2026 dates.

how i got a 1400+ on my SAT | from PSAT/NMSQT to SAT, my study plan, improving your score + more

How Illinois SAT Requirements Work

Starting in 2025, Illinois high school juniors will take the ACT instead of the SAT as part of their graduation requirements. This change comes after the Illinois State Board of Education awarded a $53 million, six-year contract to ACT, citing cost as a significant factor, according to Stephen Isoye, chairman of the State Board. With this shift, students who want to include SAT scores in their college applications must now register for the SAT independently and pay the associated fees.

The ACT will be administered online during regular school hours, and students are required to complete the ISBE ACT School Day with Writing to meet graduation requirements. Exceptions are made only for students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) that specify alternative testing. It's important to note that taking the ACT on a Saturday does not fulfill the state’s graduation requirement. While the ACT satisfies statewide requirements, SAT scores can still play a crucial role in strengthening college applications and improving scholarship opportunities.

Important SAT Dates for Illinois Students

Because Illinois no longer provides the SAT, students must register for national SAT test dates on their own. Registration deadlines for the 2025–2026 testing cycle are as follows:

SAT Test Date	Registration Deadline	Deadline for Changes and Late Registration
Dec. 6, 2025	Nov. 21, 2025	Nov. 25, 2025
March 14, 2026	Feb. 27, 2026	March 3, 2026
May 2, 2026	Apr. 17, 2026	April 21, 2026
June 6, 2026	May 22, 2026	May 26, 2026

If you need a College Board-approved device for testing, be sure to request it at least 30 days before your test date. Late registration is available for all test dates but comes with additional fees. Staying on top of these deadlines is essential for students planning to take both the SAT and ACT.

Why SAT Scores Matter for Illinois Students

Even with many colleges adopting test-optional policies, a strong SAT score remains a valuable asset. It can boost your chances of earning merit scholarships and gaining admission to competitive programs. Nearly two million students from the class of 2024 took the SAT, highlighting its continued relevance.

The SAT offers some advantages over the ACT. It’s shorter in duration and gives students more time to answer each question. Additionally, the SAT provides built-in math support, including a graphing calculator and essential formulas. Free official practice resources, including six full-length practice tests, are also available.

For Illinois students applying to state universities, submitting a strong SAT score alongside the mandatory ACT results can demonstrate academic dedication and provide additional data for scholarship consideration. This dual-testing approach can help maximize your opportunities for success.

Build Your SAT Preparation Plan: Timeline and Resources

Creating a solid SAT prep plan means aligning your study schedule, financial resources, and testing tools. Since Illinois students now handle their own SAT registration, careful preparation is more important than ever. This guide provides a step-by-step timeline and highlights the tools you’ll need to boost your SAT score.

Set Up a 12-Week Study Schedule

A 12-week plan gives you enough time to tackle weak areas, build skills gradually, and be fully prepared by test day. Start by reviewing your PSAT results to identify your starting point in Math, Reading, and Writing.

Weeks 1–4: Use your PSAT scores to pinpoint skill gaps and establish a daily study routine.
Weeks 5–8: Focus on targeted drills and use practice tests from school or private sources to sharpen your skills.
Weeks 9–12: Take full-length, timed practice tests to simulate the real exam and ease into a less intense study schedule as test day approaches.

This structured approach combines personal study time with realistic practice, helping you feel confident in different testing scenarios.

Complete Fee-Waiver Applications

If you qualify, SAT fee waivers can save you money and provide additional benefits. Students in the Federal Free or Reduced Lunch Program are eligible, and completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can help confirm whether you qualify for more financial aid.

Talk to your school counselor to get a fee waiver code. They’ll guide you through the steps and provide the necessary paperwork. If you’re homeschooled, you can request a fee waiver directly from College Board by entering AI 970000 (School Name: Home School) in your My SAT profile.

"If you're eligible for a fee waiver, you can take the SAT for free and get other benefits." - College Board

Make sure to request your fee waiver at least one to two weeks before the registration deadline. Have an adult’s contact information ready, as it may be needed to confirm your eligibility.

Get Bluebook-Ready Chromebooks from School

The digital SAT requires specific technology, and using a school-managed Chromebook ensures you’ll have a compatible device. Personal devices won’t work with the Bluebook testing app, so borrowing a Chromebook from your school is essential. The school’s IT team will install Bluebook, adjust network settings, and verify the device meets technical requirements.

To meet Bluebook’s needs, the Chromebook must have ChromeOS 114 or higher, 1 GB of free space, reliable Wi-Fi, and enough battery life for testing. Reach out to your school’s technology coordinator or counselor early to request a device. Once you receive it, download the Bluebook app and get comfortable with its features.

If your school can’t provide a Chromebook, College Board may lend you one for test day. Just make sure to submit your request at least 30 days before the exam. Completing a quick exam setup a few days before test day ensures everything runs smoothly when it matters most.

Use ChatSAT for Better SAT Prep

ChatSAT is changing the game for SAT preparation by using smart technology to adapt to your unique learning needs. Instead of sticking to a generic study plan, it adjusts based on your performance, zeroing in on areas where you can earn the most points. This means you’re not wasting time on what you already know but focusing on what will actually boost your score. For students in Illinois aiming for a 1400+ SAT score, ChatSAT is a great way to make the most of your study time and fit seamlessly into a 12-week prep plan.

Create Your Personal Study Plan with ChatSAT

Kick things off with a diagnostic review to pinpoint your weak spots. ChatSAT evaluates your performance across Math, Reading, and Writing, then crafts a custom study plan just for you. As you progress, its AI Study Director refines the plan, ensuring you focus on areas with the most room for improvement.

To stay on track, aim for 3–4 focused practice sessions each day and take a full-length practice test every 4–5 days. After each test, spend time reviewing your mistakes so you understand where you went wrong and how to fix it.

ChatSAT offers pricing plans to suit different budgets: Free, Basic for $5/month, and Pro for $8/month.

Practice with Adaptive Drills and Priority Topics

ChatSAT’s adaptive drills are all about efficiency. The platform uses your performance data to prioritize high-impact topics, delivering targeted practice to help you improve faster. As you work through adaptive practice tests, real-time analytics highlight areas that need attention, while adjusting the difficulty to keep you challenged but not overwhelmed.

The platform also provides customized exercises tailored to your weaknesses, complete with immediate explanations that break down not just the correct answer but why it’s correct. If you’re repeatedly tripping up on certain concepts, ChatSAT generates quick-review flashcards to help you master them. Its Urgency Detector steps in as test day approaches, re-ranking topics by importance and the time you have left, so you’re always focusing on what matters most. These drills work hand-in-hand with your personalized study plan, reinforcing the core skills you need.

Monitor Your Progress and Stay Motivated

ChatSAT keeps you on top of your progress with detailed dashboards that track your performance and recommend next steps. These visual tools show exactly how each study session is contributing to your score goals, removing the guesswork from your prep strategy. By analyzing trends across different question types and difficulty levels, you’ll know where you’re improving and where you still need work.

Every score you log - whether it’s from an official Bluebook section, the College Board Question Bank, or ChatSAT’s own drills - feeds into your progress tracking system. This creates a clear picture of your strengths and areas for growth, while automatically updating your study calendar to match your needs. Plus, the "Ask-Why" button is there whenever you’re stuck, offering instant feedback to clear up confusion on the spot. With every session, you’re not just preparing for the test - you’re building confidence and staying motivated to hit your target score.

6-Week Focused Practice Schedule

With your ChatSAT study plan ready, it’s time to commit to an intensive six-week schedule to aim for a 1400+ score before Illinois's mid-March School-Day SAT. This plan combines focused practice with strategic review sessions to help you hit your target. Let’s assume you’ve already completed a diagnostic assessment.

Each week, take one full-length practice test to build stamina and refine your test-taking strategies. Between these tests, spend 45–60 minutes daily on ChatSAT’s adaptive drills, zeroing in on the question types that can give you the biggest score boost. This focused approach ensures you’re practicing efficiently.

Week 1: Start with a detailed diagnostic review using ChatSAT’s AI Study Director. This will help you identify your baseline and highlight the areas that need the most attention.
Week 2: Use your first practice test results to dig into your weakest areas. Focus on closing content gaps in these specific domains.
Week 3: Shift your attention to refining test-taking strategies. Use mixed-topic drills to address recurring mistakes and build confidence.
Week 4: Take another full-length practice test. Use the feedback to polish any remaining weak areas while reinforcing what you’ve already mastered.

In the final two weeks, simulate the test-day experience. Take practice tests at 8:00 AM on the school Chromebook under strict test conditions - no extra breaks, no checking answers until the test is complete. This will help you adjust to the real testing environment.

Target Your Weakest Areas First

Start by addressing the concepts that give you the most trouble. For example, if algebra feels like a hurdle, dedicate extra time during the first weeks to strengthen those skills before moving on to other topics. The same goes for Reading and Writing - focus on the sections where your scores are lowest when your energy is at its peak.

ChatSAT’s adaptive system adjusts to your progress, ensuring you’re always working at the edge of your ability. Use the "Ask-Why" feature whenever you’re stuck to deepen your understanding, and track your progress through ChatSAT’s dashboard to see how you’re improving across different question types.

Keep your review sessions sharp and to the point. Instead of re-reading all the rules, analyze your error patterns and focus on the ones costing you points. For math, prioritize problem types that appear frequently and carry high point values. ChatSAT’s analytics can guide you toward the areas that will give you the biggest return for your effort.

Stay Consistent and Manage Test Stress

Once your content review is solid, shift your focus to routine and stress management. Consistency is crucial for effective SAT prep. Try to study at the same time every day - starting around 4:00 PM works well for many students - and aim for steady progress. After each test, review what went well before diving into your mistakes. This positive reinforcement can help build confidence as test day approaches. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, shorten your sessions slightly, but avoid skipping study days altogether.

Don’t underestimate the importance of rest and nutrition. Aim for 7–8 hours of sleep each night and stick to a protein-rich diet to keep your focus sharp. Avoid late-night cramming, as it can hurt your performance the next day.

To handle pre-test nerves, identify what’s making you anxious and adjust your coping strategies during your final week of practice. For example, practice relaxation techniques or focus on building a calming pre-test routine.

In the days leading up to the SAT, transition into maintenance mode. Use ChatSAT’s study materials for light review sessions and take one last practice test a few days before the exam. Focus on reinforcing what you already know rather than trying to cram new concepts. This will keep your skills sharp and ensure you’re fully prepared for test day.

Reach Your 1400+ SAT Score Goal

Reaching a 1400+ SAT score is a game-changer. Scoring in the 93rd percentile opens doors to scholarships and strengthens your college applications. For Illinois students, the mandatory SAT testing provides a built-in timeline and valuable practice opportunities to help you achieve this target.

Your path to a 1400+ score combines the structure of Illinois's testing schedule, local resources in the Chicago area, and the cutting-edge tools of ChatSAT. The mid-March School-Day SAT offers a clear deadline to work toward, while local tutoring centers have a track record of delivering impressive score improvements. On top of that, ChatSAT’s AI Study Director and adaptive drills tailor your preparation, adjusting in real time as you progress.

"If you can just get these four things right, you'll be setting yourself up for a 1400 or higher on the SAT. It's all about smart planning, strategic practice, and consistent effort." - Robert Brundage, Founder @ Penguin Test Prep

Focus on mastering core concepts like algebra, grammar, and reading comprehension to see improvements across all sections of the digital SAT. Start by using ChatSAT's diagnostic tools to assess your current level, then lean on its micro-lessons and the "Ask-Why" feature to build your knowledge step by step. These tools help you lay a strong foundation for a disciplined study routine.

Commit to at least 4 hours of focused SAT prep each week to steadily improve your score. The digital SAT’s adaptive format means every practice session with the Bluebook app familiarizes you with the test environment. Meanwhile, ChatSAT’s Urgency Detector ensures you focus on the areas that will make the biggest difference as test day approaches.

Scoring 1400+ isn’t just about the number - it’s a statement of college readiness. With the national average SAT score hovering around 1050, reaching 1400 can make your application stand out. Plan for at least one retake to maximize your score, using practice tests as stepping stones toward your ultimate goal.

FAQs

How can Illinois students use the state-mandated SAT to boost their scores and reach their goals?

Illinois students have the chance to turn the state-mandated SAT into a stepping stone for future success with smart preparation strategies. A great starting point is reviewing your PSAT results to pinpoint what you're already strong at and where you need to improve. This will help you create a focused study plan that targets your specific needs.

Make the most of resources available to you, like school-provided study guides, fee waivers, and practice tests. These tools can help you get comfortable with the SAT format. Adding structured practice sessions - like timed drills or full-length mock exams - can sharpen your skills and boost your time management. You might also consider joining affordable options like local study groups or tutoring sessions to stay motivated and on track.

By setting a clear schedule and sticking with it, students can use the SAT not just as a requirement but as a chance to reach their academic goals - maybe even breaking that 1400 score barrier.

How can Illinois students register for the SAT and reduce the costs involved?

Students in Illinois can sign up for the SAT by creating a College Board account, choosing a test date and location that works for them, and paying the $68 registration fee. However, there’s good news for those looking to cut costs - fee waivers are available. Eligible students can request these waivers through their school or directly from the College Board, which will cover the registration fee entirely.

For juniors attending Illinois public schools, the state offers the SAT free of charge on designated school days. This means no registration fee is required for this state-mandated test. To avoid late fees, it’s a good idea to register early and check with your school counselor about fee waiver options if you think you qualify.

How does ChatSAT help students create personalized study plans to reach a 1400+ SAT score?

ChatSAT employs a smart feedback system that crafts study plans specifically designed to meet each student's unique needs. It reviews performance on practice questions, pinpoints weak areas, and adjusts the difficulty of exercises to hone in on the skills that require the most attention.

By zeroing in on challenging question types and gradually ramping up the complexity, ChatSAT streamlines the prep process. This method not only sharpens critical skills but also boosts confidence, giving students the tools they need to aim for a 1400+ SAT score.

Illinois ACT Deal and SAT Power Play 2025: Use State-Mandated Testing to Jump the 1400 Bar