DENVER — A new report reveals ACT scores across the country are down for the sixth year in a row.
The class of 2023’s average composite score on the act was 19.5, down from 19.8 last year.
The average score for Colorado students is 24.5.
Donna Anderson is a sophomore at University of Denver studying finance. She took the ACT in high school, but didn’t submit her score when she applied to DU.
“I was scared to submit it, I thought it would affect my ability to get into college,” Anderson said.
Colorado public schools and universities haven’t required incoming freshmen to submit ACT or SAT scores since 2021.
Derek DuBose is DU’s Associate Vice Chancellor for Enrollment and Director of Admission. He says this helps students.
“If your test is reflective of who you are then submit it, but if it’s not then feel free to not submit that test at all, and we will still evaluate you and how you best represent yourselves,” DuBose said.
Halle Fadil-Moore is a sophomore at DU.
“I think there’s also been a shift in school systems to focus more on the desirable traits and things that students need to come to college like work ethic, that’s not a part of the SAT or ACT,” said Fadil-Moore.
2020 was the first year DU offered the test-optional application process, meaning incoming freshmen did not have to submit test scores.
In 2020:
- 23% of DU applicants did not submit their act scores.
- For those who did submit their score, the average score was 29.
In 2023:
- 62% of DU applicants did not submit their ACT scores.
- For those who did submit their score, the average score was 30.
“Because they’re self-selecting to submit their test, you’re going to see a quality of test score that trends a little bit higher,” DuBose said.
Anderson said self-selecting might be the reason scores across the country are down.
“I think it is definitely because students don’t have to submit, some of it might be COVID, but I think it is students don’t have to try as hard, so why would they try to study for it or try to get a good score on something that’s never going to matter,” Anderson said.
But one thing that can’t be measured with a test or number, how proud Anderson is to be part of DU.
“I love DU. I am very happy here, it was my number one school, and I am very happy that I am here now,” Anderson said.
SUGGESTED VIDEOS: Latest from 9NEWS