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Frequently referred to as the College Boards, the ACT and SAT are taken annually by high school juniors and seniors, and occasionally by a very small number of freshmen and sophomores.  Scores on one or both of these tests are used by most colleges as one factor in student admission. The number of Madison high school students taking the SAT has declined over time and the number of students taking the ACT has increased.  This change is directly related to the University of Wisconsin System admission policy, enacted in the fall of 1989, requiring ACT results and no longer accepting SAT scores from Wisconsin residents.  Madison students continue to take the SAT because it is required for admission at many other colleges throughout the nation.

ACT. Historically, ACT tests measured educational abilities in the areas of English, mathematics, social studies, and the natural sciences.  The test was revised in October 1989 to include subtests in reading and science reasoning beginning in 1990-1991.  The standard score ranges from 1 to 36.

The ACT table presents  ACT scores for Madison high schools, the District, the State of Wisconsin, and the nation.  Original ACT scores (earned prior to October 1989) have been converted to estimated enhanced ACT composite scores and subtest scores in English and Math for the District only.

SAT The Scholastic Aptitude Test measures basic verbal and mathematical skills that students acquire over a period of many years, both in and out of school.  Results of these tests are reported on a scale ranging from 200 to 800 points.

The SAT was re-normed in 1995-1996, so this file only contains results beginning in that academic year.

ACT Average Scores by Subtest and School (MMSD, Wisconsin and National Comparisons)

SAT Scores by Subtest and School