Fast Facts

Question:
What are the average 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 1997� and 2004�, the mathematics SAT average score increased by 8 points, but it declined by 5 points between 2004� and 2007�. The critical reading average score was 3 points lower in 2007� than in 1997�.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics. (2009). Digest of Education Statistics, 2008 (NCES 2009-020), 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. (2009). Digest of Education Statistics, 2008 (NCES 2009-020), Table 141.

Related Tables and Figures:  (Listed by Release Date)

• 2009, Digest of Education Statistics 2008, Table 142. SAT mean scores of college-bound seniors, by sex: 1966� through 2007�
  
• 2009, Digest of Education Statistics 2008, Table 143. SAT mean scores of college-bound seniors, by selected student characteristics: Selected years, 1995� through 2007�
  
• 2009, Digest of Education Statistics 2008, Table 144. SAT mean scores of college-bound seniors and percentage of graduates taking SAT, by state or jurisdiction: Selected years, 1987� through 2007�