The College Board Releases 2009 SAT Data

This week the College Board released information about the SAT for students entering college this fall. The data shows that despite a rise in the number of test-optional colleges, more college-bound students took the SAT than ever before. Over 1.5 million students took the exam. The characteristics of the exam takers has also changed from years past. For 2009,

• 40% of the senior test-takers were minority students
• 13.5% were Hispanic
• 53.5% were female
• 36.1% reported that their parents never went to college

The College Board also noted that math scores are four points higher than a decade ago, while reading scores have dropped four points.

And the key to a strong performance on the exam according to the College Board? Complete high school's core curriculum, take rigorous courses and familiarize yourself with the SAT.

For more information, read the entire College Board press release.

More SAT Information

• Does the SAT Writing Section Matter?
• Does the PSAT Matter?
• SAT Scores for Top Universities
• What's a Good SAT Score?