APS Students Outperform State and Nation on 2016 SAT Scores

Sept. 27, 2016 — The combined SAT scores for Arlington’s 2016 graduates continued to outpace the Virginia average by 126 points, and the national averages by 177 points. The average combined SAT score was 1,661, and two thirds of the graduates took the SAT.

“Our students continue to have a proven track record of exceptional performance on the SAT that far exceeds their peers around the country. We are very proud of their success and their level of preparation for post-secondary opportunities.” Murphy continued, “I am grateful for the leadership of our principals and the support from our teachers and counselors who helped to prepare our students well to achieve these impressive results. Our congratulations go out to our students and their families for successfully completing this important step to achieving their post-secondary pursuits.”

The 2016 SAT results were released today by the College Board and the Virginia Department of Education.

SAT Results indicate that Arlington’s the 2016 graduating class is ready for college. The College Board reports that students who earn the benchmark score of 1550 have a 65% probability of obtaining a first-year Grade Point Average (GPA) of B- or higher at a four-year college. Sixty-three percent of APS graduates taking the SAT met or exceeded this benchmark.

SAT Mean Scores Continue to Outperform Virginia and National Test Takers

APS students outperformed their Virginia peers in meeting the college readiness benchmark, and across the three tests. Results for APS Black and White students also exceed the peers in Virginia and the nation by large margins.

APS SAT Results and Details

Detailed SAT Results for APS Graduates (2012-16) are posted on the APS website.

Interpreting SAT performance:

• Scale scores on each SAT subtest range from 200 to 800 points.
• The SAT benchmark score reflects a combined reading, math and writing score of 1550 out of 2400.