GA Students Surpass National Average On ACT For Fourth Year

GEORGIA — Georgia students continued to outpace the nation on the ACT in 2019.

Georgia’s average composite score of 21.4 held steady from 2018 to 2019 but was higher, for the fourth consecutive year and the fourth time in state history, than the national average of 20.7. Georgia also outperformed the nation in English, reading, science, and mathematics.

Scores in each subject area held steady or increased slightly, with English remaining at 20.9 from 2018 to 2019, mathematics remaining at 20.7, reading rising from 22.1 to 22.2, and science remaining at 21.2. Nationally, scores dropped slightly.

Overall, Georgia is tied for 23rd in the nation on the ACT, up from 24th in 2018.

“I’m extremely proud of our Georgia students – and the educators who prepare them each day – for beating the nation on the ACT once again,” State School Superintendent Richard Woods said. “I want to emphasize that this is only the fourth time in state history this has been accomplished.

While there is still work to be done to ensure we are offering a well-rounded education and preparing every child for their next steps after high school, Georgia’s students and teachers continue achieve unprecedented success.”

The percentage of Georgia students meeting the ACT College Readiness Benchmarks – which predict students’ success in college – rose or held steady in all four subject areas. That percentage also surpassed the national average in all four subject areas, compared to three of four in 2018.

College Readiness Benchmarks are scores on the ACT subject-area tests that represent the level of achievement required for students to have a 50-percent chance of obtaining a B or higher, or about a 75-percent chance of obtaining a C or higher, in corresponding credit-bearing first-year college courses.

All scores are based on 2019 high school graduates who took the ACT at some time from grade 10 to 12.