South Dakota students’ average composite score on a commonly recognized college entrance exam is up slightly from 2017 and remains above the national average.
The state Department of Education says students averaged a 21.9 ACT score in 2018, compared to the national average of 20.8. This year’s 21.9 is slightly higher than last year’s statewide average of 21.8. The composite score reflects sub-scores for English, math, reading and science.
In South Dakota, 77 percent of 2018 graduates took the ACT, compared to 55 percent nationally. According to ACT, 92 percent of South Dakota’s 2018 graduates who took the test indicated they aspire to pursue postsecondary education.
Interim Secretary of Education Mary Stadick Smith says it’s critical educators help these students find pathways that align to workforce needs as well as to the students’ skills and interests.
All six South Dakota public universities and four technical institutes recognize ACT scores, as well as scores on the 11th grade state test, for admission and placement into courses. This month, public school seniors who have achieved qualifying scores on either of these tests will receive guaranteed general acceptance into those institutions, through the state’s proactive admissions initiative. In addition, students who don’t meet the benchmark will receive information about specialized coursework they can do throughout their senior year to get them ready for college entrance.
Average Composite ACT Scores – South Dakota vs. National
For more information, visit ACT’s website at act.org. More information about the proactive admissions and college readiness coursework programs is also available online.
