Fast Facts

Question:
What are the average test scores for students taking the SAT?

Response:
The SAT (formerly known as the Scholastic Assessment Test and the Scholastic Aptitude Test) is not designed as an indicator of student achievement, but rather as an aid for predicting how well students will do in college. Between 1995� and 2005�, mathematics SAT scores increased by 10 points, while critical reading scores decreased by 2 points.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics. (2007). Digest of Education Statistics, 2006 (NCES 2007-017), Chapter 2.

NOTE: Data are for seniors who took the SAT any time during their high school years through March of their senior year. If a student took a test more than once, the most recent score is used. Scores from the writing test introduced in March 2005 are not included. The SAT was formerly known as the Scholastic Assessment Test and the Scholastic Aptitude Test. Possible scores on each part of the SAT range from 200 to 800. The critical reading section was formerly known as the verbal section.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics. (2007). Digest of Education Statistics, 2006 (NCES 2007-017), Table 131.

Related Tables and Figures:  (Listed by Release Date)

• 2007, Digest of Education Statistics 2006, Table 132. SAT score averages of college-bound seniors, by sex: 1966� through 2005�
  
• 2007, Digest of Education Statistics 2006, Table 133. SAT score averages of college-bound seniors, by selected student characteristics: Selected years, 1995� through 2005�
  
• 2007, Digest of Education Statistics 2006, Table 134. SAT score averages of college-bound seniors and percent of graduates taking SAT, by state or jurisdiction: Selected years, 1987� through 2005�