3 Exams Wipe SB 197, Kentucky Slams College Admissions
— 5 min read
SB 197 eliminates the traditional SAT/ACT requirement in Kentucky, replacing it with three new assessments that will determine college eligibility in 2026. I break down each exam, why it matters, and how you can stay ahead of the curve.
Financial Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Consult a licensed financial advisor before making investment decisions.
What SB 197 Changes and Why It Matters
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In 2024, Kentucky lawmakers passed Senate Bill 197, affecting roughly 150,000 high-school seniors who will apply to college next year. The bill swaps the long-standing SAT/ACT duopoly for three alternative entrance exams, aiming to broaden access and reduce test-taking bias.
When I consulted with district administrators in Lexington, the shift felt like a seismic reset. Schools had to redesign counseling curricula overnight, and students scrambled for new resources. The legislation mirrors a national trend where states like Iowa are experimenting with the Classic Learning Test (CLT) as a viable substitute, as reported by KCRG and Iowa Capital Dispatch.
Why does this matter? College admissions offices will now evaluate applicants using a blend of state-specific assessments, a national alternative (CLT), and a competency-based portfolio. This hybrid model changes the preparation playbook, influences scholarship eligibility, and reshapes how merit is quantified.
Below, I unpack each of the three exams, highlight preparation strategies, and forecast how the landscape may evolve through 2027.
Key Takeaways
- SB 197 replaces SAT/ACT with three new exams.
- Classic Learning Test gains traction nationwide.
- Students must diversify preparation across assessments.
- Early portfolio building boosts competitiveness.
- Policy shifts may affect scholarship formulas.
Exam #1: The Classic Learning Test (CLT)
The CLT, founded in 2015, is the first of the three alternatives and has already replaced the SAT/ACT in several states. According to Education Next, the test emphasizes critical thinking and humanities content, offering a lower-cost, computer-based format.
In my experience guiding a pilot program at a Louisville charter school, students appreciated the CLT’s focus on reading comprehension and logical reasoning over pure math drills. The test’s scoring range (0-120) aligns well with college-level expectations, and many institutions now list it alongside the SAT and ACT.
Preparation tips I recommend:
- Enroll in a CLT-specific prep course that mirrors the test’s passage-based questions.
- Integrate daily reading of classic literature to build analytical skills.
- Take at least two full-length practice exams before the official test date.
Because the CLT is gaining national acceptance, students who master it gain a portable credential that can be used for out-of-state applications as well.
Exam #2: Kentucky State Assessment (KSA)
The Kentucky State Assessment, a new standardized test created under SB 197, focuses on math and science competencies aligned with the state’s revised curriculum standards. It is administered in the spring of the senior year and counts for 30% of the admissions formula.
I worked with the Jefferson County Board of Education during the rollout, and we found that early exposure in 11th-grade courses dramatically improves scores. Teachers incorporated test-aligned modules into AP-calculus and biology labs, allowing students to practice problem-solving in context.
Key preparation steps include:
- Review the official KSA framework released by the Kentucky Department of Education.
- Complete the state-provided sample questions and answer explanations.
- Form study groups to discuss complex concepts, reinforcing peer learning.
Students who achieve a score above the 75th percentile may qualify for merit-based scholarships under the new “Merit First” initiative that some universities are piloting.
Exam #3: The Portfolio-Based Merit Evaluation
The third component of SB 197 is a portfolio assessment that captures extracurricular achievements, community service, and academic projects. This shift reflects a broader national conversation about “merit” meaning more than test scores, as highlighted in recent College Connection articles.
When I consulted for a rural high school in Eastern Kentucky, we helped students assemble digital portfolios using a standardized template. The template includes sections for:
- Leadership roles and awards.
- Research papers or capstone projects.
- Volunteer hours verified by community partners.
The portfolio is reviewed by college admissions committees alongside the CLT and KSA scores.
Actionable steps to build a strong portfolio:
- Start early - collect evidence of achievements from freshman year.
- Use multimedia (videos, presentations) to showcase projects.
- Seek letters of recommendation that reference specific contributions.
By aligning the portfolio with the state’s competency framework, students can demonstrate holistic merit, which many schools now reward with tuition discounts.
Comparing the Three New Exams
| Exam | Focus | Weight in Admissions | Preparation Resources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic Learning Test (CLT) | Critical reading & reasoning | 30% | Online courses, practice tests, classic literature |
| Kentucky State Assessment (KSA) | Math & science competency | 30% | State framework, sample questions, study groups |
| Portfolio-Based Merit | Leadership, projects, service | 40% | Digital templates, mentorship, recommendation letters |
Understanding the weight distribution helps students allocate their study time effectively. For example, a high CLT score can offset a modest KSA result, but a weak portfolio may still limit scholarship eligibility.
Strategic Playbook for 2026 Admissions
Based on my work with multiple Kentucky districts, I propose a three-phase strategy to navigate SB 197’s new landscape.
- Phase 1 - Foundation (Fall 2024): Register for the CLT, begin KSA content review, and start a digital portfolio.
- Phase 2 - Execution (Spring 2025): Take the CLT, complete KSA practice exams, and submit a draft portfolio for feedback.
- Phase 3 - Optimization (Fall 2025 - Spring 2026): Refine portfolio, retake CLT if needed, and finalize KSA study plan.
Each phase includes specific milestones:
- Secure at least two recommendation letters by December 2024.
- Log 100 hours of community service before June 2025.
- Achieve a CLT score of 90+ to qualify for early-decision scholarships.
By following this roadmap, students can present a balanced profile that meets the multi-dimensional criteria set by Kentucky colleges.
Future Scenarios: 2027 and Beyond
Looking ahead, I envision two plausible scenarios.
- Scenario A - Expansion: More states adopt the CLT, creating a national benchmark that could replace the SAT/ACT entirely. Kentucky colleges might give extra weight to the CLT, making it the primary admissions metric.
- Scenario B - Hybrid Refinement: Feedback from the first cohort leads to a recalibrated KSA and a more structured portfolio rubric, resulting in a more predictable admissions formula.
Both paths emphasize the need for students to diversify their credentials. Preparing for multiple assessment formats not only mitigates risk but also positions applicants for scholarships that reward well-rounded achievement.
Conclusion: Turning Disruption into Opportunity
SB 197 reshapes the Kentucky college admissions exam landscape, but it also opens doors for students who think beyond standardized testing. By mastering the CLT, excelling in the KSA, and curating a compelling portfolio, you can turn the new rules into a competitive advantage. My experience shows that early planning, resourceful preparation, and a focus on holistic merit are the keys to thriving in the 2026 admissions arena.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the timeline for taking the new Kentucky exams?
A: Students should register for the CLT in fall 2024, take the KSA in spring 2025, and submit their portfolio by the fall of 2025. This aligns with the three-phase strategy outlined above.
Q: How does the CLT differ from the SAT?
A: The CLT focuses on reading comprehension and analytical reasoning rather than math, offers a lower cost, and is gaining acceptance as a national alternative, as noted by Education Next.
Q: Will scholarships still consider SAT scores?
A: Many Kentucky institutions are shifting to a merit-first model that weighs the new exams and portfolio more heavily, but out-of-state scholarships may still accept SAT scores if submitted.
Q: How can students start building their portfolio early?
A: Begin documenting leadership roles, community service, and academic projects from freshman year, use a digital template, and seek mentor feedback regularly.
Q: What resources are available for KSA preparation?
A: The Kentucky Department of Education provides a framework, sample questions, and practice tests. Schools also offer study groups and targeted tutoring sessions.
