U.S. high school ACT scores drop to three-decade low

Name: WORLD
Price range: $

ACT scores fell this year for the sixth year in a row. Associated Press/Photo by Seth Perlman

U.S. high school ACT scores drop to three-decade low

The nonprofit organization ACT on Wednesday said scores on its college admissions test dropped for the sixth year in a row. The class of 2023 scored below the benchmarks meant to indicate a high probability of success in first-year college courses. The average composite ACT score for American students this year was 19.5 out of a possible 36, compared to 19.8 last year.

How are colleges responding to dropping scores? Some universities and colleges have made standardized tests optional for admissions, saying they disadvantage low-income students. The University of California does not consider ACT or SAT scores even if students submit them with their application.

Dig deeper: Listen to Mary Reichard’s report on The World and Everything in It podcast about how college educators tackle the challenges of artificial intelligence.

Lauren Canterberry

Lauren Canterberry is a reporter for WORLD. She graduated from the World Journalism Institute and the University of Georgia with a degree in journalism, both in 2017. She worked as a local reporter in Texas and now lives in Georgia with her husband.