These 10 States Have the Most-Improved SAT Scores

The SAT, formerly known as the Scholastic Aptitude Test, measures a high school student’s readiness for college. Most students take it in their junior or senior year of high school and anxiously anticipate their scores to include them in their applications to top-notch universities. Nootro Edge, a nootropics review website, compiled data on states with the most improved SAT scores from 2022 to 2023. The analysis concluded a significant increase in average SAT scores – let’s see which states studied the hardest!

10. Oklahoma

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Oklahoma made its way into the states with the most improved SAT scores, according to Nootro Edge. The study revealed that the average SAT score was 951 in 2022, but a slight increment was noted as the average score increased to 953 in 2023, equaling a 0.21 percent increase.

9. Vermont

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Vermont is home to several top schools including the University of Vermont. With such respectable universities, Vermont ranks ninth place among states with the most improved SAT scores. According to Nootro Edge, Vermont’s average SAT score climbed from 1095 in 2022 to 1099 in 2023, surpassing Oklahoma with a percentage increase of 0.37.

8. Utah

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Nootro Edge reports that Utah’s average SAT score in 2022 was 1233. By 2023, students raised the bar to an average score of 1239, marking a 0.49 percent increase. With this progress, Utah shows promise for further improvement in their SAT scores next year.

7. Kansas

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At the University of Kansas, the average SAT score required is 1240 on the 1600 SAT scale. In 2022, Kansas students reached an average SAT score of 1238. Kansas is ranked as the seventh state with the most improved SAT scores, with a 0.57 percent increase, resulting in a seven-point increase, bringing the average to 1245 in 2023.

6. Iowa

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Students of Iowa set the bar high with an average SAT score of 1196 in 2022. Nootro Edge’s analysis revealed a notable increase of 12 points, a one percent increase, in Iowa’s SAT scores in 2023, reaching an average score of 1208. The University of Iowa has an 86 percent acceptance rate and typically admits students with SAT scores ranging between 1140 and 1340. With these improvements, Iowa students are certain to continue excelling on their SATs.

5. Alabama

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Alabama earned its position as the fifth state with the most improved SAT scores. According to the stats compiled by Nootro Edge, Alabama reported an average SAT score of 1146 in 2022. This score significantly increased to 1161 in 2023, reflecting an approximate percentage increase of 1.31 percent.

4. Louisiana

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Louisiana recorded an average SAT score of 1171 in 2022, placing it as state number four. Louisiana’s average score increased by 1.96 percent, equivalent to 23 points, reaching 1194 in 2023.

3. Arizona

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Students of Arizona kept up with the pace, averaging 1159 SAT points in 2022. Nootro Edge’s analysis shows that Arizona’s SAT score surged by 30 points, or 2.07 percent, in 2023, reaching an average of 1189 points.

2. Nebraska

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Nebraskans rank second among the states with the most improved SAT scores. They achieved an average SAT score of 1222 in 2022 and received well-deserved recognition. In 2023, luck was on their side as Nebraska students reached an average SAT score of 1252, resulting in an outstanding 2.45 percent increase.

1. North Dakota

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Charming North Dakota tops the list as the state with the most improved SAT scores. According to Nootro Edge’s analysis, North Dakota’s average SAT score was 1212 in 2022 and then rose to 1287 in 2023, marking an impressive percentage increase of 6.19 percent. With such remarkable scores, it won’t be easy for another state to take its place next year.

Source: Nootro Edge

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Brett Andrews is an expat influencer and co-founder of Expatsi, a company that has helped thousands of expats on their journey of moving abroad. Brett and his partner Jen developed the Expatsi Test to recommend countries to move to, based on factors like budget, visa type, spoken languages, healthcare rankings, and more. In a former life, he worked as a software developer, IT support specialist, and college educator. When he's not working, Brett loves exploring new countries, reading unusual books, and pondering the wisdom of The Big Lebowski.

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