As of Oct. 10, 2022, ACT scores reached record lows nationwide. The graduating class of 2022’s average score on the ACT was the lowest average in 30 years. 

“The national average ACT score for the class of 2022 fell to 19.8 out of 36, down from 20.3 in 2021,” said the editorial board at The Wall Street Journal.

“This is the fifth consecutive year of declines in average scores, a worrisome trend that began long before the COVID-19 pandemic,”  ACT CEO Janet Godwin said. “The magnitude of the declines this year is particularly alarming.”

This is the first time scores have been under 20.0 since 1991.

As universities become test-optional, more students have opted to not take standardized tests. A few universities have even adopted or begun to consider test-blind policies. This means that they will not consider test scores in regards to admissions even if scores are submitted. 

Since 2018, the number of students who have registered to take the ACT has declined 30%.

An estimated 42% of the senior class of 2022 did not meet requirements in subjects tested on standardized tests: English, reading, science and mathematics. Only 38% of the class of 2021 failed to meet the skills tested.

“Now more than ever, the last few years have shown us the importance of having high-quality data to help inform how we support students,” said Rose Babington, senior director of state partnerships for the ACT.