The purpose of benchmark scores is to serve as a target for college readiness. Benchmark scores are established by the testing organizations based on research and analysis of student performance on the tests. Benchmark scores are set at a point where a student has a 50% chance of getting a B or higher or a 75% chance of getting a C or higher in the corresponding college course. Let us know ‘Do Colleges Look At Benchmarks?’.
Do Colleges Look At Benchmarks?
Yes, a lot of colleges and universities in the United States use benchmark scores to determine whether an applicant is prepared for college-level work.
Understanding benchmarks
A student who meets benchmarks processes the abilities and knowledge required to do well in college-level courses in these subjects. It’s important to keep in mind, though, that not all colleges have these standards for admission or course placement. Some colleges may require higher or lower scores, or they may consider other factors.
By looking at their score report for the ACT or SAT, students can use their scores to determine whether they have achieved the benchmarks. If a student falls short of the standard in a particular subject, it might be a sign that they need more time to prepare before enrolling in college. Students can improve their chances of succeeding in college by being aware of the benchmarks and working to achieve them.
- For the ACT, the benchmarks are as follows:
- English: 18
- Math: 22
- Reading: 22
- Science: 23
- For the SAT, the benchmarks are as follows:
- Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW): 480
- Math: 530
Understanding the national averages for benchmark scores
Students who are preparing for the ACT or SAT may find it useful to understand the national averages for benchmark scores. These averages can help students set reasonable goals for improvement and put their performance into context. Here are the most recent ACT and SAT national average scores:
- ACT: In 2020, 20.6 out of a possible 36 was the national average composite score for the ACT. The following were the averages for each subject: English (19.0), Math (20.9), Reading (21.1), and Science (20.8).
- SAT: In 2020, a national average of 1051 out of 1600 was the required score. The section on Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) had an average score of 528, and the section on Math had an average score of 523
Benchmarks and scholarships
For students looking for scholarships, ACT and SAT benchmarks can be crucial. Based on ACT or SAT scores, including attaining certain benchmark scores, some colleges and organizations award scholarships. Here are a few examples:
- Students who achieve in the top 1% on the PSAT/NMSQT are eligible for consideration for the National Merit Scholarship Program. These scholarships are given out based on a student’s academic performance, extracurricular activities, and other factors.
- Using the RaiseMe platform, high school students can receive micro-scholarships from colleges and universities on their accomplishments, including their ACT or SAT scores. Scholarships can be obtained by students who achieve benchmark scores or who outperform their prior test results.
- Alabama Opportunity Scholarship Fund: This program awards financial aid to Alabama low-income students who achieve the required ACT scores or higher.
Other universities and groups might award scholarships based on particular ACT or SAT scores, such as reaching a particular benchmark in math or science. Students can increase their eligibility for scholarships and lessen the cost of attending college by meeting these benchmarks. Students should look into scholarships that are available based on their ACT or SAT scores and strive to meet the requirements.
Improving benchmark scores
For students who want to demonstrate their college readiness and increase their eligibility for scholarships, improving benchmark scores on the ACT or SAT can be a major objective. The following are some tips for raising benchmark scores:
- Attempt practice exams: With the aid of practice exams, students can pinpoint their areas of weakness and create a study schedule that will focus on those areas.
- Use tools to help you study: There are many resources available for test preparation, such as online classes, study materials, and tutoring services. The resources that work best for their learning style and budget can be chosen by the students.
- Focus on weak areas: Students can use the results of their practice exams to determine the subject areas in which they performed below the standard and concentrate their study efforts in those areas.
- Practice time management: Test performance is significantly influenced by time management. During practice exams, students can learn how to pace themselves and create plans for finishing each section of the test in the allotted time.
- Take the exam more than once: Students can take the SAT or ACT more than once to raise their scores. It’s crucial to keep in mind that some colleges might take into account all scores, while others might only take into account the highest score.
Conclusion
In conclusion, although they are not the only consideration in the college admissions process, standardized test scores are an important one. Colleges and universities take into account many different things, such as high school grades, extracurricular activities, essays, letters of recommendation, demonstrated interest, diversity and inclusion, and unique talents or accomplishments. While students must study in a way that increases their test scores, they should also keep in mind that test results are only one aspect of the admissions process. Students can improve their chances of admission to the colleges of their choice by approaching the college admissions process holistically and submitting a well-rounded application.
