#USA #New York #College Board #SAT Test #PSAT/NMSQT

SAT Participation Increases Post-Pandemic

The latest annual report from the College Board highlights an encouraging trend in student assessment participation. For the first time since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 2 million students from the high school class of 2025 have taken the SAT, as outlined in the 2025 SAT Suite of Assessments Annual Report. This marks a significant rebound from previous years, with participation rising from 1.97 million in the class of 2024.

Historical Context and Digital Transition

For context, this current statistic is particularly noteworthy, as it signifies the first group of students to surpass the 2-million mark since the pandemic disrupted traditional testing practices. The transition to a majority-digital format also plays a pivotal role here; an impressive 97% of students opted for a digital SAT, reflecting a wider trend toward online assessments.

Interestingly, this surge in participation coincides with wider acceptance and integration of digital testing modalities across educational institutions. The 2024-25 academic year marks the inaugural full school year employing digital measures for the SAT Suite in the United States, which includes PSAT/NMSQT tests administered in the fall of 2024, as well as the SAT and PSAT assessments throughout the school year.

The Importance of SAT in College Readiness

Priscilla Rodriguez, Senior Vice President of College Readiness Assessments, noted the continued value that both students and educators associate with the SAT, stating, "The increase in SAT participation alongside the complete transition to digital testing signifies ongoing validation of the SAT’s importance as a measurement tool. This platform enables both accurate evaluation of students' knowledge and provides them with access to essential resources, opportunities for college, scholarships, and future careers."

In terms of performance metrics, the average scores for the class of 2025 are commendable, sitting at 521 for Reading and Writing, and 508 for Math. These scores serve as indicators of student readiness for college-level work and are a crucial aspect of the college admissions process.

Upcoming PSAT/NMSQT Testing

October also brings enthusiasm as millions of 10th and 11th graders nationwide prepare to take the PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test). This exam is not only a preparatory step toward the SAT but also the only qualifying test for the prestigious National Merit® Scholarship Program. This program recognizes outstanding academic performance and offers a plethora of scholarship opportunities, enhancing students’ routes to further education.

The benefits of the PSAT/NMSQT extend beyond immediate college preparation, providing students access to free SAT practice resources, connections to potential colleges and scholarship programs, and insights into their abilities in Advanced Placement® courses. Notably, this year approximately 3.4 million students are expected to participate in the PSAT/NMSQT or PSAT 10 exams, significantly enhancing their readiness for the SAT.

Students eager to improve their scores can utilize the College Board’s testing app, Bluebook, to engage in practice tests along with the skill-focused training available on the Khan Academy platform, designed specifically for the SAT.

Conclusion

In summary, the uptick in SAT participation represents not only a recovery for academic institutions post-pandemic but also highlights an evolving landscape of digital learning and assessment. This is a positive development for students navigating their educational journeys, reaffirming the value of the SAT and related assessments in facilitating their pathways to college and career success. For further information regarding student preparation and resources, visit psat.org or explore the wider offerings of the College Board, which has served over 7 million students annually for over 120 years.