ACT scores hit 30-year low in 2023

The nonprofit organization overseeing American College Testing (ACT) has reported a 30-year low in average scores, indicating a decline in college readiness among high school seniors.

Test-takers in 2023 averaged 19.5, down from 2022's 19.8, marking a 0.3-point drop and the sixth consecutive year of decline. Scores have also fallen below 20 for the second consecutive year since 1991.

Math, reading, and science scores missed all ACT benchmarks and English barely passed by.

More than 40% of seniors fall below these benchmarks, raising concerns about graduate preparedness, particularly since these students were in their first high school year during the pandemic.

As test scores continue to reach record lows, college enrollment and standardized test requirements have declined for three consecutive years.

The ACT, alongside the SAT, traditionally aids colleges in admissions decisions.