SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) scores help education institutions like universities and colleges compare students from different high school backgrounds. They require students to submit their scores to assess their strengths and overall readiness for the workload ahead.
The average SAT score across the U.S. is a 1050, but some states fare better than others. According to World Population Review, here are the states with the worst scores.
Top 10 States with the Worst SAT Scores
An SAT score ranges from 400 to 1600 and comprises two categories – Math and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW). Each category contributes 800 points; your overall SAT score combines the two categories.
The College Board of America considers an SAT score of 1050 the average score, while scores of 1050 – 1350 are considered good to excellent. A score of above 1350 will land a student in the top 10% of the country.
Let’s look at the states with the worst SAT scores across the US and the states with the best SAT scores.
Here are the top 10 states with the worst SAT scores – the best of the worst:
1. West Virginia
The state of West Virginia, in the Appalachian region of the US, takes the number 1 spot for the worst SAT scores in the country. While it may be the perfect place for outdoor activities such as mountain biking, hiking, white water rafting, and skiing, the opposite is true regarding academics.
It boasts an overall average SAT score of a pitiful 938, an average EBRW score of 481, and an average Math score of 456.
2. Oklahoma
The state of Oklahoma takes 2nd place for the worst SAT scores in the US, with an average total score of 951. The total consists of an average EBRW score of 485 and an average Math score of 467. The most interesting figure, however, is the percentage of students who take the SAT, sitting at a measly 17%.
3. Idaho
Idaho takes 3rd place for the worst SAT scores in the US, with an average total score of 968. This is made up of an average EBRW score of 499 and an average Math score of 488. The state has a surprisingly high percentage of learners taking the SAT at 97%.
4. Delaware
Delaware takes 4th place for the worst SAT scores, although it is tied with Idaho with a total average score of 968. However, their average EBRW and math score averages differ slightly at 449 and 477, respectively.
5. Rhode Island
In 5th place for worst SAT scores is Rhode Island, with a total average score of 971. Although the percentage of learners who take the SAT is 93%, the total average EBRW and Math scores are a mere 494 and 477, respectively.
6. New Mexico
The state of New Mexico takes 6th place for worst SAT scores in the US, racking up a total average score of 976. While it’s on the climb, it’s still not great, with an average EBRW score of 496 and an average Math score of 480.
7. Illinois
It’s onto the state of Illinois next, the holder of the 7th worst state in the country for SAT scores. Illinois has a total average SAT score of 981, made up of an average EBRW score of 495 and an average Math score of 485. The state does have a rather impressive percentage of students taking the SAT tests at 97%.
8. Florida
The state of Florida takes 8th place for the worst SAT scores in the US, with a total average score of 983. This is made up of an average EBRW score of 510 (the first of the bottom dwellers to hit an average above 500) and an average Math score of 473.
9. District of Columbia
Taking 9th spot is the District of Columbia, with a total average score of 985, made up of an average EBRW score of 502 and an average Math score of 484. The most interesting number, however, is the percentage of students taking the SAT – a perfect 100%.
10. Michigan
The state of Michigan is rounding off the top 10 for worst SAT scores, with a total average score of 1000. This is made up of an average EBRW score of 506 and an average Math score of 495.
Top 5 States with the Best SAT Scores
Now it’s time for the best of the best – the top 5 states with the highest SAT scores in the US:
1. Wisconsin
The state of Wisconsin takes the coveted number 1 spot for highest SAT scores, with a total average score of an impressive 1252. This is made up of an average EBRW score of 622 and an average Math score of 629.
2. Wyoming
Taking 2nd place is the state of Wyoming, with a total average score of 1244 – hot on the heels of Wisconsin. It is comprised of an average EBRW score of 627 (the highest of any state) and an average Math score of 617.
3. Kansas
The state of Kansas takes 3rd place for top SAT scores with a total average score of 1238. This is made up of an average EBRW score of 621 and an average Math score of 617.
4. Utah
The state of Utah takes 4th place for the top SAT scores in the US, with a total average score of 1233. This is made up of an average EBRW score of 618 and an average Math score of 615.
5. Mississippi
Rounding off the top 5 states with the best SAT scores is the state of Mississippi, with a total average score of 1226. This is made up of an average EBRW score of 623 and an average Math score of 602.
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Source: World Population Review
Andrew Herrig is a finance expert and money nerd and the founder of Wealthy Nickel, where he writes about personal finance, side hustles, and entrepreneurship. As an avid real estate investor and owner of multiple businesses, he has a passion for helping others build wealth and shares his own family’s journey on his blog.
Andrew holds a Masters of Science in Economics from the University of Texas at Dallas and a Bachelors of Science in Electrical Engineering from Texas A&M University. He has worked as a financial analyst and accountant in many aspects of the financial world.
Andrew’s expert financial advice has been featured on CNBC, Entrepreneur, Fox News, GOBankingRates, MSN, and more.
