The 2012 average SAT score for AISD students was 1496—greater than the average state score of 1434 and comparable to the national average score of 1498. Students who took the ACT exam performed equally well with a composite score of 21.4, exceeding the state and national averages of 20.8 and 21.1, respectively.

The number of students who took the SAT and ACT exams remained stable or increased after reaching a record high in 2011. For the SAT, AISD student participation remained steady. There was an increase in test participation among students who identified themselves as Mexican/Mexican American, selected other, or provided no racial identification. For the ACT, participation increased by 198 students.

“AISD will continue to encourage and prepare students to participate in the SAT and ACT exams because we are committed to ensuring all of our students are ready for college, career and life,” AISD Superintendent Meria Carstarphen said. “The SAT and ACT play a critical role in the college admissions process. And, we are pleased that more AISD graduates are choosing to attend colleges and universities. The district will continue to increase the number of college-bound graduates because, in today's global economy, higher education provides a powerful path to success."

Students’ scores on the SAT subject area tests were generally stable or increased since last year. For 2012, the largest increase was in the writing subject area with students scoring an average of 523—43 points higher than last year. Students’ average critical reading score increased by four points to 497. Students’ average math score increased by two points to 523.

AISD students’ average ACT scores increased slightly across the English, reading and science subject areas and remained stable in the math subject area. Since 2005, scores have increased by 1 to 1.7 points on average across subject areas. AISD’s average ACT scores exceeded state and average scores in every area and exceeded national, average ACT math, reading, science and composite scores.

For more information and to review the full reports, please visit www.austinisd.org/dre.