While the ACT has filled the role for 15 years, the SAT has been picked by the state to be the exam included in mandatory testing for high school juniors. While ACT is trying to get the contract cancelled, the lack of a state budget means there’s no money coming from the state for statewide college testing, so it may up to school districts to decide which test to administer next year.

East Peoria Representative Michael Unes filed legislation to ensure students can pick which exam they want to take.

Roger Eddy, executive director of the Illinois Association of School Boards, says both tests cover the same subjects to measure a student’s college readiness. Eddy also states districts may have the option to transfer the costs of tests to students.