SAT scores hold steady for class of 2008

  • By Donna Gordon Blankinship Associated Press
  • Tuesday, August 26, 2008 10:12pm
  • Local NewsNorthwest

SEATTLE — Washington high school students in the class of 2008 did about as well on the SAT college entrance exam as their classmates from the year before, but the scores released Tuesday were well above the national average.

According to The College Board, the average SAT scores in Washington for 2008 were 526 in reading, 533 in math and 509 in writing. In 2007, the state’s average SAT scores were similar: 526 in reading, 531 in math and 510 in writing.

The national SAT averages, which also held steady, were 502, 515 and 494, respectively. A perfect score is 2,400, or 800 points in each of the test’s three sections.

Figures released earlier this month on the rival ACT college entrance exam showed an increase — from 21.2 to 23.1, on a scale of 1 to 36 — for the Washington class of 2008. For the fifth year in a row, Washington students scored near the top in the nation on the ACT, following only Massachusetts and Connecticut in the state-by-state rankings.

The SAT test is the most popular choice among Washington students who hope to go to college. More than half of the state’s class of 2008, or 36,306 students, took the SAT exam, mostly in their junior or senior years. About 17 percent of Washington students take the ACT.

Washington students who scored best on the SAT had parents with college degrees and higher family incomes.

SAT scores do not give a statewide picture of how Washington high school students are doing, because only a little more than half of each graduating class takes the college entrance exam. But state schools chief Terry Bergeson said the SAT measures how college-ready the top students are.

“Our scores, compared to the rest of the nation, speak volumes about the quality of education students in this state are receiving,” Bergeson said.

For the sixth consecutive year, Washington state SAT averages were the highest in the nation among states in which more than half the eligible students took the tests.

Washington boys on average scored a few points higher than girls on the reading test and more than a few points higher on math — 552 vs. 517 — but girls did better in writing.

According to The College Board, Washington students are most likely to have their SAT scores sent to in-state schools, with the most popular choices the University of Washington and Washington State University. The most-often-requested private schools were Seattle University and Gonzaga.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Gage Wolfe, left, a senior at Arlington High School and Logan Gardner, right, a senior at Marysville Pilchuck High School work with their team to construct wooden framed walls, copper plumbing, electrical circuits and a brick facade on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026 in Marysville, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
High schoolers construct, compete and get career-ready

In Marysville, career technical education students showed off all they’d learned at the SkillsUSA Teamworks Competition.

The Edmonds City Council on Tuesday, Jan. 6 in Edmonds, Washington. (Will Geschke / The Herald)
Edmonds issues moratorium on development in Deer Creek aquifer

The ordinance passed unanimously Tuesday, giving the city time to complete a study on PFAS in the area.

Taylor Scott Richmond / The Herald
Getchell High School students protest ICE during their walkout demonstration on Wednesday in Marysville.
Marysville students peacefully protest ICE

Around 150 Getchell High School students walked out of school to line 67th Avenue Northeast as cars drove by on Wednesday morning.

Logo for news use featuring Snohomish County, Washington. 220118
Snohomish County voters continue to approve most school levies, bonds

The Monroe School District operations levy, which was failing after initial results, was passing Thursday with 50.4% of the vote.

People fish from the pier, hold hands on the beach and steer a swamped canoe in the water as the sun sets on another day at Kayak Point on Monday, June 12, 2023, in Stanwood, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Kayak Point Park construction to resume

Improvements began in 2023, with phase one completed in 2024. Phase two will begin on Feb. 17.

Everett
Everett to pilot new districtwide neighborhood meetings

Neighborhoods will still hold regular meetings, but regular visits from the mayor, city council members and police chief will take place at larger districtwide events.

A truck drives west along Casino Road past a new speed camera set up near Horizon Elementary on Wednesday, May 8, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Crashes, speeding down near Everett traffic cameras

Data shared by the city showed that crashes have declined near its red light cameras and speeds have decreased near its speeding cameras.

Community Transit is considering buying the Goodwill Outlet on Casino Road, shown here on Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026 in Everett, Washington. (Will Geschke / The Herald)
Community Transit to pay $25.4M for Everett Goodwill property

The south Everett Goodwill outlet will remain open for three more years per a proposed lease agreement.

Logo for news use featuring Snohomish County, Washington. 220118
Parent support collaborative worries money will run out

If funding runs out, Homeward House won’t be able to support parents facing drug use disorders and poverty.

Carlos Cerrato, owner of Taqueria El Coyote, outside of his food truck on Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026 in Lynnwood. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett proposes law to help close unpermitted food carts

The ordinance would make it a misdemeanor to operate food stands without a permit, in an attempt to curb the spread of the stands officials say can be dangerous.

Clothing Optional performs at the Fisherman’s Village Music Festival on Thursday, May 15 in Everett, Washington. (Will Geschke / The Herald)
Everett music festival to end after 12 years

The Everett Music Initiative is ending the Fisherman’s Village Music Festival, the nonprofit’s flagship event that was first held in 2014.

Arlington Mayor Don Vanney tours the city’s Volunteers of America Western Washington food distribution center. (Provided photo)
Arlington food center receives 32,000-pound donation

The gift will be distributed to food banks across Snohomish County, providing more than 26,000 meals.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.