ACT Test Scores Reach Lowest Point in Over Three Decades

United States of America
In response to declining scores, some colleges and universities have made ACT and other standardized test scores optional for admission.
Only 37% of students met three or more of the ACT College Readiness Benchmarks in English, math, reading, and science.
The average composite score on the ACT for the graduating class of 2023 was 20.3 out of 36, the lowest since 1991.

The average composite score on the ACT, a standardized test used for college admissions in the United States, has reached its lowest point in more than three decades. The average score for the graduating class of 2023 was 20.

3 out of 36, a drop from the previous year's average of 20.

6, according to the nonprofit ACT. This marks the lowest average score since 1991. The ACT test is designed to measure high school students' general educational development and their capability to complete college-level work. The test covers four skill areas: English, mathematics, reading, and science reasoning.

The decline in scores has raised concerns about the college readiness of high school students. The ACT's College Readiness Benchmarks, which are scores on the ACT subject-area tests that represent the level of achievement required for students to have a high probability of success in corresponding credit-bearing college courses, were also not met by a significant number of students. Only 37% of students met three or more of the ACT College Readiness Benchmarks in English, math, reading, and science. This is down from 39% last year.

In response to the declining scores, some colleges and universities have made ACT and other standardized test scores optional for admission. This move is part of a larger trend towards test-optional policies, which have been adopted by more than 1,000 accredited, bachelor-degree granting institutions in the U.S. The shift towards test-optional policies has been accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has made it difficult for many students to take standardized tests.


Confidence

95%

Doubts
  • The exact reasons for the decline in ACT scores are not clearly stated in the articles.

Sources

76%

  • Unique Points
    • The average composite score on the ACT test has dropped to its lowest point in decades.
  • Accuracy
    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (85%)
    • Axios is a digital media company that has received funding from venture capital firms such as Lerer Hippeau Ventures, which have a vested interest in digital media growth.
    • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
      None Found At Time Of Publication

    75%

    • Unique Points
      • The average composite score on the ACT test has dropped to its lowest point in decades, sparking concerns about college readiness.
    • Accuracy
      No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
    • Deception (100%)
      None Found At Time Of Publication
    • Fallacies (100%)
      None Found At Time Of Publication
    • Bias (100%)
      None Found At Time Of Publication
    • Site Conflicts Of Interest (80%)
      • CNN is owned by WarnerMedia News & Sports, a division of AT&T's WarnerMedia. AT&T has been involved in various political donations and lobbying efforts, which could potentially influence the network's coverage.
      • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
        None Found At Time Of Publication

      76%

      • Unique Points
        • The ACT test has become optional for college admission.
      • Accuracy
        No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
      • Deception (100%)
        None Found At Time Of Publication
      • Fallacies (100%)
        None Found At Time Of Publication
      • Bias (100%)
        None Found At Time Of Publication
      • Site Conflicts Of Interest (90%)
        • The Associated Press (AP) is a nonprofit news organization. While it strives for impartiality, it is funded by its member news organizations, which could potentially influence its coverage.
        • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication

        74%

        • Unique Points
          • ACT scores have declined to a 32-year low.
        • Accuracy
          No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
        • Deception (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Fallacies (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Bias (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Site Conflicts Of Interest (75%)
          • The Washington Examiner is owned by MediaDC, a subsidiary of Clarity Media Group, which is owned by Philip Anschutz. Anschutz has been known to donate to conservative causes, which could potentially influence the site's coverage.
          • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
            None Found At Time Of Publication

          73%

          • Unique Points
            • ACT college readiness scores have fallen to a 30-year low.
          • Accuracy
            No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
          • Deception (100%)
            None Found At Time Of Publication
          • Fallacies (100%)
            None Found At Time Of Publication
          • Bias (100%)
            None Found At Time Of Publication
          • Site Conflicts Of Interest (70%)
            • Breitbart is a far-right syndicated American news, opinion and commentary website. Its political alignment and the influence of its former executive chairman, Steve Bannon, could potentially influence its coverage.
            • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
              None Found At Time Of Publication