LHS Students Score Well on SATs

Livingston students are more prepared for college than the average American high school, according to a new report released by College Board.

The SAT Report on College & Career Readiness estimates that only 43% of high school students were likely to succeed in college and faults a lack of rigor in our nation's educational system.  College Board uses SAT scores as a benchmark and says that a score of 1550 (out of a total 2400) means the student is likely to achieve a B- average or higher during the first year at a four-year college.

However, parents of Livingston High School students shouldn’t worry as Livingston’s most recent graduating class saw SAT scores much higher than the national average.  Last year, LHS students scored an average of 1761, a rise of 36 points from the previous year and 47 points higher than four years ago.

“We’re seeing the highest level of student achievement than ever before,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brad Draeger said. 

For the LHS Class of 2012, the average reading score rose to 570. The average score for writing was 580. Math results were 611 on the exam used for admission at most U.S. colleges. Scores can range from 200 to 800.

Across the nation, average reading and writing SAT scores for high school students declined to their lowest levels while math results stalled, according to a report released by the New York-based College Board, which administers the test. The average score in reading was 496, down 1 point from a year earlier and the lowest since data became available in 1972. The average score for writing dropped 1 point to 488, the lowest since writing was added to the exam in 2006. Math results were unchanged at 514.

“This report should serve as a call to action to expand access to rigor for more students,” said College Board President Gaston Caperton. “Our nation’s future depends on the strength of our education system. When less than half of kids who want to go to college are prepared to do so, that system is failing. We must make education a national priority and deliver rigor to more students.”

Across New Jersey, the Class of 2012 set the bar pretty high on the SAT entrance exams. The mean score for all students -- public and private -- was 1511 across the math, reading, and writing sections.