High school students’ scores on the ACT college admissions test have dropped to their lowest in more than three decades, according to the nonprofit organization that administers the exam.
The ACT data released on Oct. 10, show about 1.4 million students took the test this year, an increase from last year, but the average ACT composite score was lower than last year at 19.5 out of 36.
In 2022, the average score was only slightly higher at 19.8.
“This is the sixth consecutive year of declines in average scores, with average scores declining in every academic subject,” ACT CEO Janet Godwin said in a statement.
“We are also continuing to see a rise in the number of seniors leaving high school without meeting any of the college readiness benchmarks, even as student GPAs continue to rise and students report that they feel prepared to be successful in college.”
Out of all the tested students, only 21 percent met benchmarks for success in college-level classes in all subjects.
Additionally, 43 percent met none of these benchmarks, increasing roughly two percentage points since last year.
Research from ACT shows that students who meet these benchmarks have a higher chance of success in corresponding courses during their first year at college.
Scores in All Subjects Down From Last Year
This year, average scores in reading, science, and math were all below the benchmarks. Data from ACT show that the average English scores declined from 19.0 to 18.6. Math scores dropped from 19.3 to 19.0, reading scores went down from 20.4 to 20.1, and science scores fell from 19.9 to 19.6.“The hard truth is that we are not doing enough to ensure that graduates are truly ready for postsecondary success in college and career,” Ms. Godwin said.
She added that this is an issue that should be a shared national priority by everyone who wants to see the next generation succeed.
“These systemic problems require sustained action and support at the policy level,” Ms. Godwin said.
“This is not up to teachers and principals alone—it is a shared national priority and imperative,” she said.
According to ACT, high school students’ scores across the country were already in free fall, with marked downtrends for the last six years, but the trend rapidly accelerated during COVID-19 lockdowns.
Students in the class of 2023 were in their first year of high school when COVID-19 reached the United States and government interventions played havoc with everyday life for several years.
The newly released data include ACT test scores from all 50 states and the District of Columbia, including the 16 states requiring students to take the exam as part of their statewide testing programs.
The data also include another seven states that have funded ACT testing only on an optional basis.
Many universities nationwide have made standardized admissions tests optional over criticism that they unfairly disadvantage low-income students.
However, some institutions do not consider ACT or SAT scores even if submitted.
