Are ACT scores declining?

College admission test scores are dropping lower than previously, especially ACT scores, according to the nonprofit that administers the test. ACT scores dropped from 19.8 for the class of 2022 to 19.5 for the class of 2023. According to Collegeboard.org, SAT scores dropped from 1050 in 2022 to 1028 in 2023.

Why is the ACT average so low?

High school students' scores on the ACT college admissions test for 2023 dropped to their lowest in more than three decades, showing a lack of student preparedness for college-level coursework, the nonprofit organization that administers the test said Wednesday.

Why test scores are dropping?

A national study in the U.S. last year found math scores fell by more than ever, with reading scores dropping to 1992 levels. There's no doubt the disruption of the pandemic was a major factor in the global setbacks.

Is ACT less popular than SAT?

In the class of 2023, 1.9 million high school students took the SAT at least once, up slightly from 1.7 million in the previous year's class, according to College Board data. Nearly 1.4 million students in the class of 2023 took the ACT, a slight increase from the previous year.

Is the ACT being phased out?

In March 2022, the CSU Board of Trustees approved the removal of the SAT and ACT standardized tests from undergraduate admissions processes. The decision followed the nearly two years during the COVID-19 pandemic when submitting those test scores was not required for CSU applicants.

ACT test scores for US students drop to new 30-year low

Are colleges getting rid of the ACT?

The CSU Board of Trustees unanimously approved the Committee on Educational Policy's resolution to amend Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations to remove SAT and ACT standardized tests from undergraduate admissions.

Should students still take the ACT?

Taking the ACT test can increase your chances of earning new or better scholarships. One counselor found that over 10 years, more of her students earned more scholarship dollars with ACT scores than SAT scores. Learn more about paying for college.

Does MIT prefer ACT or SAT?

Some students do better on the SAT while others do better on the ACT. MIT accepts scores from either test and does not favor one over the other. The timing of the tests might be important. The SAT includes a total of 154 multiple-choice questions to complete during a testing window of three hours.

Do Ivy Leagues prefer SAT over ACT?

Colleges Weigh SAT and ACT Scores Equally

First, students and parents need to realize that one test isn't “better” than the other. There's long been a myth that colleges prefer the SAT over the ACT, but the reality is colleges don't have a preference on college entrance exams.

Do any colleges prefer ACT or SAT?

This is a common misconception. Colleges don't have a preference between the SAT or ACT so it's important to know how to choose the test that's right for you. Both tests are widely accepted across U.S. colleges—including those that are test optional.

What is considered a low ACT score?

Below Average Score Range: 1-16. Average Score Range: 17-24. Above Average Score Range: 25-36.

Are US test scores getting worse?

Scores for 13-year-olds fell 9 points in math between the 2019-20 school year and the 2022-23 school year. The average reading scores fell 4 points. The results are the latest in a line of data from the NAEP over the past few years that have all shown widespread declines in student achievement.

Are American students falling behind?

The results reflect percentages of learning losses that are notable. According to the study, the U.S. now ranks sixth in reading, twelfth in science and 28^th in math. The math scores of U.S. students fell 13 points since the last time the assessment was administered.

Is 23 a low in ACT?

A score of 23 on the ACT is above the current national average and will make you a strong applicant at many universities, but it may fall below the average score for accepted students at more selective colleges.

Is ACT enough for Harvard?

There's no absolute ACT requirement at Harvard, but they really want to see at least a 34 to have a chance at being considered.

Is a 32 ACT good enough for Ivy League?

Generally speaking, you need a minimum ACT score of 31 to get into an Ivy League School. The minimum score is 32 at a few of these schools, including Harvard and Yale. The minimum SAT score to get into an Ivy League school ranges from 690 to 730 for the reading section and from 700 to 730 for the math section.

Should I submit a 32 ACT to Yale?

Average ACT: 34

The 25th percentile ACT score is 33, and the 75th percentile ACT score is 35. In other words, a 33 places you below average, while a 35 will move you up to above average. There's no absolute ACT requirement at Yale, but they really want to see at least a 33 to have a chance at being considered.

Will a 1600 SAT get me into Ivy League?

What SAT and ACT Score Do You Need to Get into an Ivy League College? Most Ivy League colleges want to see a composite SAT score of 1500-1600 and a composite ACT score of no lower than 33.

Should I retake a 1570 SAT?

Never Retake a 1530+

A student's percentile represents the percentage of students whose score is equal to or lower than his or her score. So if you scored a 1520, 99% of the students scored the same or lower. Therefore, the top 1% scored at least a 1530.

Is 1550 a bad SAT score?

Is 1550 a good SAT score? The average SAT score is 1059 and the highest possible score is 1600 — a 1550 SAT score is undeniably good. It makes you eligible to apply to even the most competitive institutions and get just about the maximum amount of merit-based aid, giving you an endless supply of opportunity.

Can I get into MIT with a 34 ACT?

What ACT score do I need to get into MIT? Students who get into MIT average around a 35 on the ACT: 25th percentile ACT composite scores are 34, and 75th percentile scores are 36. That breaks down to around a 35 or 36 in ACT Math, and a 35 or 36 in ACT English.

Does your ACT score really matter?

One big piece of this process continues to be the standardized SAT and ACT exams. Of all the factors impacting a school's acceptance, we believe these test scores make up approximately 30% of the overall decision. However, they are extremely important for being awarded scholarship money.

Does UK require an ACT score?

UK is fully test optional for admissions and scholarship. Each college with selective majors have different requirements for test-optional students.

Should my junior take the ACT?

It's a good idea to take it for the first time in the fall or early spring of your junior year. Doing this will show you where you are doing well and uncover areas where you can improve. There are many advantages to taking the ACT your junior year, plus some very encouraging news about why retesting is so important!