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2019 ACT Brief
October 2019
The ACT released the 2019 Graduating Class data in October 2019. The ACT is a college entrance exam and has
four subject area scores (English, mathematics, reading, and science) as well as a composite score. All scores
(subject and composite) range from 1 to 36.
The figures reported in this brief include the most recent scores of 2019 APS graduates who took the ACT as
sophomores, juniors, or seniors. If students tested more than once, this includes their most recent scores.
Students identify themselves as graduates by reporting their expected graduation date to ACT. ACT encourages a
focus on trends, not year-to-year changes, so the data in this brief highlights the past three years of data.
The APS 2019 graduating class had an average composite ACT score of 19.1. This is a slight increase (0.4 points)
from the 2018 average of 18.7. Figure 1 shows ACT scores and participation over the last 4 years for APS,
Georgia, and the nation. The percentage of 2019 APS graduates taking the ACT decreased substantially
compared to 2018, from 72% to 52%. This is likely due to the introduction of SAT School Day for the class of 2019,
through which students had the opportunity to take the SAT in their own schools, on a school day, at no cost to
them. SAT participation for the class of 2019 increased to 90% of graduates (compared to 57% in 2018) and ACT
participation declined.
Figure 1. Average ACT score and participation – APS, Georgia, and nation
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While APS’s average composite ACT score trails state and national averages, subgroups within APS perform
similarly to or better than their state and national peers. African-American / Black students score slightly higher
than the national average and less than one point behind the state average, and the average composite score for
Hispanic / Latino students remains within one point of the national average. White students in APS continue to
outperform their state and national peers. See Figure 2.
Figure 2. Average ACT score and change in participation by race
Consistent with state and national trends, APS students perform better on the Reading section (average 2019
score: 19.9) than in the other subject areas (English – average score 18.5; Math – average score 18.5; Science –
average score 18.9). Figures 3 and 4 provide further detail about subject area scores over time and by subgroup.
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Figure 3. APS SAT Scores by Subject Area Over Time, English and Math
Figure 4. APS ACT Scores by Subject Area Over Time, Reading and Science
For more information about class of 2019 ACT performance, please see press releases from GADOE and the ACT.
