SAT remains less popular with Oklahoma students, scores show

By Wendy K. Kleinman

Published: August 27, 2008

Students in Oklahoma's most recent high school graduating class scored above the national average on the SAT, one of two main college entrance exams.

Oklahoma students scored an average of 1701, compared to a national average of 1511.

However, far fewer students take the SAT in Oklahoma, making the test-takers a more selective group.

Just 5.5 percent of Oklahoma's 2007-08 senior class took the SAT, compared to 69 percent for the ACT.

The ACT is more widely used by Oklahoma colleges and universities, so those who take the SAT may have their eyes on out-of-state colleges.

That is further evidenced by their college preferences: seven of the nation's eight Ivy League universities were listed among the 45 top institutions where Oklahoma students wanted their SAT reports sent.

Oklahoma seniors scored 20.7 on the most recent ACT, for which scores were released two weeks ago. The national average was 21.1

The ACT is the historically popular choice for college admissions in Oklahoma.

"It's been that way for around 50 years,” state regents spokesman Ben Hardcastle said.

Students sometimes don't need to take either test for admission, depending on their grade point average and class rank, he said.

Comments