Analyzing Past SAT Scores: Trends, Demographics, and Accessibility
The SAT, a standardized test used for college admissions, has undergone several changes throughout its history. Analyzing past SAT scores provides valuable insights into trends, demographic performance, and the test's evolution. This article explores historical SAT data, including score trends over time, demographic breakdowns, and factors influencing performance.
Accessing Archived SAT Scores
For individuals who have been out of high school for more than a year, the College Board archives SAT test scores and related information provided during testing. However, accessibility is limited; scores older than 2005 are no longer available, and some older scores may be stored in decommissioned data sources.
To send official score reports, follow the instructions on the College Board account, accepting the message about ordering older score reports. Select the institutions to receive the scores and indicate which scores to send. Rush reporting is typically available for older SAT scores, incurring additional fees for retrieval and rush processing. It is advisable to check with the college before ordering rush reports.
Historical Trends in SAT Scores
A look at SAT averages from 1972 to 2024 reveals overall trends in SAT scores. It's important to note that the SAT had three main sections: Math, Critical Reading, and Writing (until the redesign). Generally, Critical Reading (now Reading & Writing on the digital SAT) has declined, while Math scores have slightly increased over time.
From 2006 to 2016, overall average SAT scores fell by a total of 34 points, with decreases in each of the tested sections. Since 2020, average SAT scores have fluctuated, increasing in 2021 and 2022, potentially due to the rise of test-optional policies, leading to a self-selection of test-takers who anticipated doing well.
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Scoring System Updates
Before 2005, the SAT was scored out of 1600. When examining data across decades, it's striking to observe that while Math scores have generally improved, Reading scores have decreased. The largest year-to-year drop in Reading scores occurred between 1974 and 1975, with a fall of 9 points.
From 2006 to 2016, average SAT Reading scores consistently decreased. Interestingly, the average SAT Math scores also showed a similar trend over this 10-year period.
SAT Scores by Ethnicity
Historical SAT test data for different ethnicities reveals notable performance gaps that show no signs of closing. According to demographics table, from 2007 to 2015 the average scores for white students stayed about the same. Similarly, most other groups witnessed no change or decreases from 2007 to 2015. Asian Americans experienced the biggest positive change of all groups during this time frame: a staggering 31-point increase in mean Critical Reading/Math scores.
Factors Influencing SAT Performance
Several factors influence a student's SAT performance. The number of years of secondary education matters, with more years correlating with higher average scores. Access to quality education and resources, including SAT prep courses and materials, can significantly affect scores. Critics argue that the SAT measures a student's background and access to resources more than their potential for college success.
Furthermore, family income correlates with SAT performance. Students from families in the lowest income quintile tend to score lower than those from higher-income families.
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2024 SAT Data
In 2024, over 1.9 million students took the SAT at least once. The average SAT score was 1024, slightly lower than the 2023 average of 1028. The percentage of students meeting benchmarks for math and reading scores also dropped.
SAT Scores by State in 2024
The percentage of high school students taking the SAT varies significantly by state. Some states with the lowest percentage of test takers are Arkansas (2%), Kansas (2%), Kentucky (2%), and Mississippi (1%). In contrast, some states with the highest percentage of SAT test-takers are Illinois (96%), Delaware (97%), Idaho (95%), and Rhode Island (99%). District of Columbia comes in at the highest percentage, where 100% of students take the SAT.
New Hampshire earned the highest average score in 2024. In fact, New Hampshire’s average SAT score is right at the national average.
SAT Scores by Demographics in 2024
In 2024, Asian students achieved the highest average SAT score of 1228. Asian students’ average score was 347 points higher than the average SAT score of American Indian/Alaska Native students, which was 881.
Men have consistently outscored women in the SAT since 2017. However, women have scored higher on the ERW section every year. Men scored higher on the math section.
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Those who grew up speaking English and another language had the highest total SAT score overall by a narrow four-point margin.
Students with parents who have graduate degrees achieved the highest total SAT score and section scores.
Test takers from the highest quintile (earning at least $117,610) of family income level, received the highest total average SAT score of 1152.
SAT Score by School
Knowing the average SAT scores of enrollees at your top colleges can be helpful when it comes to setting goals. If you’ve already taken the SAT, you can see how your score compares to the typical scores at some of your top college choices to better understand where you stand in comparison to the previously admitted class.
The Digital SAT
In March 2024, the SAT went fully digital and was shortened. The paper test lasted three hours, but the digital offering lasts two hours. According to CollegeBoard, over 99% of digital test-takers completed the exam successfully. Most students (84%) and support staff (99%) reported better experiences with the digital SAT compared to the paper version.
Is the SAT Biased?
Whether the SAT is implicitly biased to favor wealthy and white students has long been a subject of debate. A 2023 study found that “Ivy-Plus” colleges were twice as likely to admit students from the highest-income families compared to students from low- or middle-income families even when they had comparable test scores. Higher admission rates for these students from high-income families were primarily due to legacy preferences, higher non-academic ratings, and athletic recruitment.
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