Average ACT Score

Goal
To ensure all students have the opportunity for further educational opportunities beyond secondary education

Progress

This measure reports the average score for the ACT, a college entrance exam taken by high school juniors and seniors. The score determines how prepared students are for college-level course work and whether students enrolling in post-secondary institutions are required to take remedial courses. The ACT score is accepted by all four-year colleges and universities in the U.S. Information about college placement based on ACT scores can be found at http://www.actstudent.org/scores/ (Link opens in a new window)

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In addition to gaining entrance into an institution of higher education, the ACT allows for students to examine areas where they have excelled to help determine a potential career path. The scores also give schools guidance in areas where more attention and rigor is needed.

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Approximately 80% of the Oklahoma graduating class of 2012 (29,342 students) took the ACT exam at least once this year, up from 76% in 2011. The average composite score for the state is 20.7, a number unchanged since 2007 and slightly below the national average of 21.1. The ACT is graded on a scale of zero to 36. Comparatively, other states in our area average between 19.9 (New Mexico) and 21.9 (Kansas).

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While programs are not aimed specifically at increasing ACT scores, several initiatives are underway to improve outcomes across the entire education system. In addition, Oklahoma has adopted the Common Core State Standards, which will increase the rigor of coursework to improve student outcomes. Oklahoma is participating in a multi-state collaboration to develop assessments incorporating these common core standards.

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