Key Takeaways
• Illinois schools have historically preferred the ACT – it’s deeply embedded in Chicago’s school culture.
• CPS juniors are required to take the SAT through the state’s school day testing program.
• Taking BOTH tests and submitting the better score is a proven strategy for college admissions.
• Strong math students often score higher on the ACT. Strong readers and writers often prefer the SAT.
• Professional tutoring in Chicago can lift ACT scores by 3-5 points and SAT scores by 100-200 points.
Introduction
Chicago parents and students face a question every year: Should my kid take the ACT, the SAT – or both?
It sounds simple. But getting it wrong can cost a student real scholarship money and college admissions opportunities.
The answer isn’t the same for every student. It depends on their strengths, their college list, and what Illinois schools actually look at.
This guide breaks it all down – so your student can walk into test day with the right test and a real strategy.
ACT vs. SAT – The Core Differences
Key insight: The ACT tests more content (including Science). The SAT tests fewer things, more deeply.
| Feature | ACT | SAT |
|---|---|---|
| Sections | English, Math, Reading, Science | Reading/Writing, Math |
| Science Section | Yes | No |
| Math Calculator Use | Limited | Full calculator on most questions |
| Total Questions | 215 | 154 |
| Time per Question | Less (faster pace) | More (slower pace) |
| Score Range | 1-36 | 400-1600 |
| Illinois State Testing | No | CPS juniors take it free |
What Chicago & Illinois Colleges Actually Want
Here’s what Chicago-area students need to know:
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign accepts both – but historically, more Illinois students submit ACT scores. Loyola University Chicago, DePaul, UIC – all accept both equally. Northwestern University accepts both and is test-optional, but submitted scores still matter for merit aid. CPS juniors receive a FREE SAT through the Illinois school day testing program – it’s built into the school calendar.
Bottom line: Illinois college admissions officers are comfortable with both. Take the one you score higher on.
How to Know Which Test Fits Your Student
Take a free practice test for each – then compare using a concordance table.
Signs your student is an ACT person: works quickly under time pressure, strong in science reasoning, comfortable with straightforward grammar rules, prefers multiple shorter passages.
Signs your student is a SAT person: likes to think deeply before answering, strong in reading analysis and evidence-based questions, better with calculator-dependent math, prefers fewer more focused sections.
Pro tip from Chicago tutors: We always recommend students take a full-length timed practice test for BOTH before committing. A 2-hour investment can change their entire test strategy.
Score Goals for Chicago-Area Colleges (2026)
If your student’s score falls below a school’s range, targeted tutoring is the fastest, most cost-effective way to close that gap.
| College | ACT Middle 50% | SAT Middle 50% |
|---|---|---|
| Northwestern University | 34-36 | 1510-1570 |
| Univ. of Illinois UC | 27-33 | 1230-1470 |
| Loyola University Chicago | 24-30 | 1130-1350 |
| DePaul University | 22-29 | 1080-1300 |
| UIC | 22-28 | 1060-1280 |
How Private Tutoring in Chicago Moves the Needle
Generic test prep programs give every student the same content. Private tutoring doesn’t.
With Chicago’s Chitown Tutoring, students get a diagnostic baseline test to pinpoint exact weak areas, a custom study plan built around their schedule and test date, focus on the sections that move scores most for that specific student, flexible sessions in-home, in-person in Chicago, or online, and real practice tests under timed realistic conditions.
Average score improvement with private tutoring: ACT +3 to +5 points; SAT +100 to +200 points.
That kind of improvement can mean the difference between scholarship eligibility and full-price tuition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do CPS students take the SAT?
Yes. Illinois requires all CPS juniors to take the SAT during the school day at no cost. It counts for state reporting and can be submitted for college admissions.
Can students submit both scores?
Most colleges allow it and will consider your best score. Submitting both is smart if your student performs well on each – it never hurts to show more strong data.
When should students start prep?
Ideally the summer before junior year – that gives 4-6 months for prep before fall test dates. Starting earlier (sophomore year) allows multiple retakes.
How many retakes are allowed?
Both tests can be taken multiple times. Most colleges take the highest score or superscore. Plan for 2-3 attempts with tutoring between each sitting.
Does Chitown offer other tutoring?
Yes. Chitown offers private tutoring in Calculus, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and all AP subjects – plus HSAT prep for CPS selective enrollment high schools.
Conclusion
The ACT vs. SAT debate doesn’t have a universal answer. It has a right answer for YOUR student.
The smartest move any Chicago family can make is simple: take a practice test for both, identify the better fit, and invest in targeted prep for the test where your student has the most room to grow.
Chitown Tutoring helps Chicago students do exactly that – with private, 1-on-1 sessions tailored to each student’s needs, timeline, and college goals.
Book a free diagnostic session at chitowntutoring.com