SAT Score fluctuations: Is there a trend?

Hey folks, I've been thinking about how SAT scores have changed over the years. Have they been increasing or decreasing on average? Would love to hear your thoughts or see any sources you have. Thanks!

The College Board, the organization that administers the SAT, releases reports annually that detail average score trends. The trend often varies year by year and can be influenced by a variety of factors. It's difficult to state conclusively whether scores are generally increasing or decreasing, as the trends are inconsistent and other significant factors can come into play.

For example, progress in education and better access to test prep resources may sometimes help in increasing the average scores. On the other hand, changes in the test's format or demographic changes among test-takers can also impact average scores. The College Board has made a number of adjustments to the SAT over the years, including a major overhaul introduced in 2016 that shifted the scoring scale back to 1600 from 2400. These alterations all affect the interpretation of 'average' scores year on year.

To get accurate and up-to-date information about average scores, you might consider reviewing the annual SAT Suite of Assessments Program Results, which The College Board publishes on its website. There you can find useful statistics and trend data for SAT scores. However, please note that these results should be taken with a grain of salt, as the pool of test takers can differ significantly from year to year - including the total number of test takers and the proportion of test takers who are retaking the test.

Remember, it's most important to focus on your own individual score in relation to your college admissions goals, rather than concerning yourself too much with national average trends. Aim for a score that is competitive for the schools you're interested in, and consider test-optional or test-blind schools if you feel your test scores will not reflect your academic abilities well.