SAT Scores for Reading, Writing and Math Hit an All-Time Low

Posted on September 16, 2011

SAT scores for reading have declined once again. In fact, reading scores hit an all-time low. The L.A. Times reports that average SAT scores for high school seniors have dropped in reading (3 point drop), math (1 point drop) and writing (2 point drop). The report was released by the College Board, a New York-based nonprofit that administers the SAT and Advanced Placement program.

The combined average SAT score is now 1500. That's six point below 2010, and 18 points below 2006. A perfect score on the SAT is 2400. According to the College Board, last year set a record for the number of students taking the exam. 1.65 million students took the exam. In California, almost 65% of the students taking the test were ethnic minorities. College Board leaders said that part of the explanation for the drop may be the increase in students of widely varying economic, academic and ethnic backgrounds. The number of high scoring students has increased.

Whatever the reason for the drop, it's a very disturbing trend. Last month the ACT board (which competes with the SAT) said that only 25% of the class of 2011 had sufficient skills in algebra, social sciences, biology and English composition to be able to function at a college level.