Newly released data reveals a continued decline in average composite scores on the ACT college admissions test, plummeting to their lowest point since 1991. The dip has been consistent for the last six years across all academic subjects. Presently, the average composite score stands at 19.5 out of a possible 36 for the class of 2023, a significant drop according to figures from the nonprofit organization, ACT.
Alarming statistics show that the seniors referred to by ACT as the “Covid cohort” have witnessed a historic high, with 43% failing to meet the considered necessary benchmark scores for success in college. Sadly, these average standings in academia – mathematics, science, and reading – have fallen below the ACT College Readiness Benchmarks, as revealed by the organization.
ACT’s CEO, Janet Godwin, expressed her concerns on these troubling figures. “The harsh reality is that we aren’t doing enough to ensure that our graduates are fully prepared for success beyond high school in their college careers,” she articulated.
Surprisingly, only about one-fifth, or 21%, of students managed to meet all four specified ACT benchmarks (English, mathematics, science, and reading) that are deemed integral for a successful first year of college courses. Conversely, the rise in the number of graduating seniors who did not meet any of the college preparedness standards is concerning, especially as student Grade Point Averages (GPA) continues to rise, with most students believing they are ready for college, Godwin explained.
Interestingly, about 1.4 million graduating high school seniors from the class of 2023 took the ACT test, an increase from the previous graduating class of 2022. As per Godwin, these challenges are systemic and their solutions necessitate sustained action and support on a policy level. However, she is of the belief that this is not solely a responsibility for teachers and principals; it’s a shared national priority that we all must address.
