SAT Scores Drop As More Montgomery Students Take Test, Data Shows

ROCKVILLE, MD — Montgomery County Public Schools students are scoring lower on the SAT college entrance exam this year, according to new data released Wednesday.

The SAT is considered the primary standardized test that measures a student's readiness for college. There are two sections of the SAT that are scored: evidence-based reading and writing and math. The score for each section ranges from 200 to 800 points.

The average combined score for the Class of 2019 was 1119 out of a maximum 1600, according to the school district. That's 48 points lower than last year's average.

All student demographics saw a slight decline in performance.

Source: MCPS Data For SAT Results By Student Group

Despite a decline in test scores, participation rates increased across all student groups. According to MCPS, SAT participation rate for graduates was 75.6 percent. That's a 9.9 percentage-point increase from 2018.

The greatest improvements in participation rates, according to MCPS, was seen for African American (11.4 percentage points) and Hispanic/Latino graduates (17.8 percentage points).

"MCPS students perform at high levels on the SAT and we are pleased to see the continued growth in the number of students who take this important assessment," said Superintendent Jack Smith.
"Our collective work of engaging students in rigorous coursework and pathways is key to their success and we must continue to examine our efforts to ensure all students can participate, make progress, and perform at the highest levels."