The average SAT composite score for students who graduated from Denver Public Schools in 2003 is 1,070, up from 1,029 last year. This score is lower than the state average of 1,104 but higher than the national average of 1,026. Virtually all colleges accept both the ACT and the SAT college entrance scores, and all Colorado juniors are administered the ACT without charge. For that reason, Colorado students taking the SAT tend to be those who hope to improve their test scores in order to gain scholarship money or entrance to highly competitive colleges. This year, 572 DPS students reported SAT scores, down from 685 last year.

The SAT reports subscores for verbal and mathematics skills. A perfect score is 1,600 - 800 for each section. The districts’ SAT-tested students averaged 543 for verbal and 528 for mathematics skills. As with the composite scores, these are below the state averages but above the national averages.

“We are pleased that so many of our students have chosen to take the SAT test in order to become more competitive for college entrance and scholarships,” said Wayne Eckerling, assistant superintendent for Research, Planning and Special Programs. “By investing their time and effort in this test, our students clearly demonstrate their commitment to both their own futures and the future of Denver.”

For more information, contact the Public Information Office at 720-423-3414.