SATs over time

Here is a graph I made in the spring for a public policy studies class, when I was researching SAT scores at DV. It shows the average combined reading and math SAT scores for the nation and DV. 

The graph demonstrates there is neither a downward nor upward trend with DV's SAT scores; they just sort of zig zag. The only consistency to spot in the graph is that like many of the other school districts in the area, DV's average is below the national average.

DV's scores average lower because a higher percentage of students take the SATs at DV than at other schools, according to administrators and school board members. 

Whether or not the lower-than-average SAT scores are actually hurting students is debatable. Are students not being accepted to certain colleges they want to attend because their SAT scores are too low? Are students missing out on scholarships because their scores are a few points lower than the national average? It's difficult to pinpoint exactly what harm, if any, the lower-than-average SAT scores are doing to DV students.

Personally, I found that many other factors, including interviews, co-curricular activities and essays were more important to colleges in the admissions process. I feel there are many other much more important indicators of a successful person than the amount of points they earn filling in bubble sheets for a few hours on a Saturday morning. (And I have a lifelong goal of disbanding the "nonprofit" College Board, because they are ruining America.)

It's also strange to see lower-than-average scores when DV students are some of the top performers in the state on PSSAs, the state assessments. Hopefully the effort being put into driving up SAT scores is well spent and worth it.