The SAT is predominantly taken by White and Asian high school juniors and seniors.
When it comes to the SAT, not every student has the same story. Students who take and prepare for the SAT come from many different backgrounds, including various races, income levels, and school environments. Some come from families where going to college is a tradition, while others are the first in their family to pursue higher education.
Most SAT test-takers are White and Asian students, but students from all groups take the test. Family income, parental education, and access to resources can affect how students prepare and how well they do on the test. Some students have tutors or take special prep courses, while others rely on free resources from their schools.
Different regions and school types also shape who takes the SAT and how they get ready for it. This mix of experiences means that the SAT is much more than just a test—it’s a snapshot of the challenges and opportunities facing students across the country.
Overview of SAT-Taking Student Population
The group of students who take the SAT is always changing. The most important trends involve shifts in how many students take the test, who they are, where they live, and how data about them is collected.
Recent Trends in Test Participation
SAT participation has fallen in recent years. In 2021, about 1.5 million high school students took the SAT, which is a drop of 700,000 from 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic and changes in college admission policies led many schools to go test-optional, which has greatly affected these numbers.
More schools are using ACT, and some areas offer school-day SAT testing, which can change who decides to take the SAT. In 2023, the average SAT score for test-takers was 1028 out of 1600.
Today, students are choosing whether to take standardized tests at all, with more students skipping the SAT or taking it just once. The decrease in test-takers has changed the mix of students who do choose to sit for the exam.
Sources of Demographic Data
The College Board collects demographic data when students register for the SAT. Most students provide information on race, ethnicity, gender, and parental education. This data helps schools, colleges, and researchers understand who is taking the test and how demographics shift over time.
Some information is optional, so not all categories have complete data. Still, most students fill out these questions. Data is used to show trends in performance and participation among different groups, such as by race or income level.
Table: Example Demographic Data Collected
| Category | Collected? | Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Race/Ethnicity | Yes | No |
| Gender | Yes | No |
| Parental Education | Yes | No |
| Family Income | Yes | No |
Regional Differences in Participation
SAT participation rates vary by region in the United States. In the Northeast and some parts of the South, more students typically take the SAT because many local colleges require or recommend it. In contrast, students in some Midwestern and Western states are more likely to take the ACT.
Some states have partnerships with the College Board to offer the SAT during school hours, making it easier for students to take the test. Other states leave testing up to families, so participation can be lower in those areas.
Urban schools and districts often have higher participation rates because of state policies or support programs. Rural and suburban areas sometimes see less engagement with the SAT, depending on local college application habits.
Racial and Ethnic Demographics
Students from different racial and ethnic backgrounds take the SAT at different rates and achieve different scores. Many factors, like access to resources and school opportunities, influence these patterns.
Representation by Race and Ethnicity
White and Asian students make up a large share of SAT test-takers every year. Latino and Black students are also represented, but in smaller numbers compared to their share of the high school population. According to national reports, about 41% of SAT test-takers are White, 24% are Hispanic or Latino, 13% are Black or African American, and 10% are Asian.
Asian students often have higher average scores on the SAT, while Black and Latino students typically have lower averages. Some groups, including Native American and Pacific Islander students, represent only a small fraction of test-takers. These numbers show big differences in who is taking the SAT and how they perform.
| Group | % of SAT Test-Takers | Average SAT Score (Est.) |
|---|---|---|
| White | 41% | ~1120 |
| Asian | 10% | ~1220 |
| Hispanic/Latino | 24% | ~970 |
| Black/African Am. | 13% | ~950 |
Trends Among Underrepresented Groups
Over the years, more students from Latino and Black backgrounds have started to take the SAT. This is partly because of outreach programs and efforts to widen college access. Despite these gains, participation rates for Native American and Pacific Islander students remain low.
Many underrepresented students are also the first in their families to apply to college. They often attend schools with fewer college prep resources, which affects test readiness. Outreach campaigns, fee waivers, and prep programs are important steps to support these students.
Some states and school districts now offer the SAT during school hours for free. This has helped raise the number of test-takers from underrepresented groups but hasn’t closed the achievement gap.
Gaps in Participation and Preparation
There are still clear gaps in who takes the SAT and how they prepare for it. Students from higher-income or more educated families are more likely to take the SAT and get higher scores. Black and Latino students are less likely to take honors or Advanced Placement courses, which impacts performance.
Studies show that about 41% of White test-takers complete honors English, compared to 29% of Black test-takers. Prep courses, private tutoring, and parental support are also more common for White and Asian students.
Efforts to close these gaps include free SAT prep tools and scholarships, but differences in resources at home and school still create unequal outcomes. This means that access—not just ability—plays a big role in SAT success.
Socioeconomic Backgrounds of Test Takers
SAT test takers come from many different income levels, and some groups have clear advantages when it comes to getting ready for the exam. The resources available to each student and family can change how a student prepares and how they do on the test itself.
Family Income Levels
Family income plays a big role in who takes the SAT and how they score. Students from wealthier families are more likely to take the SAT compared to those from low-income households. About one-third of students from the richest families score 1300 or higher, but less than five percent of middle-class students reach this score. Students in the top 20 percent of income are much more likely to score highly.
Lower-income students are less likely to register for the SAT, partly due to the costs related to testing and sending scores. For many, the price of registration, transportation, and preparation materials can be a hurdle. The gap between income groups has stayed steady over time.
Access to Preparation Resources
Access to preparation resources for the SAT, like tutoring, prep classes, and books, is not the same for every student. High-income families often pay for expensive tutors, online courses, or private classes. These resources can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Students from lower-income families might have to rely on free online resources or school-based programs, which are sometimes less thorough. Some schools offer free weekend or after-school SAT prep, but these programs are less common in underfunded districts. Extra support outside of school can make a noticeable difference in test confidence and scores.
Impacts of Economic Disparity on Scoring
Economic differences show up clearly in SAT scores. Many students from wealthier backgrounds score higher, since they have better access to good schools and test prep. Only about one in six students from the highest income groups score 1300 or higher, while a much smaller share of low-income students reach that level.
The chart below shows typical SAT score patterns by income group.
| Income Group | % Scoring 1300+ |
|---|---|
| Top 20% (Wealthiest) | 17% |
| Very Richest Families | ~33% |
| Middle-Class | <5% |
Students from poor families often face other challenges too, such as larger class sizes, fewer AP courses, or less experienced teachers. All of these factors combine to make it harder for lower-income students to compete on equal footing. Economic gaps in SAT scoring have continued despite efforts to offer more free resources.
Gender Distribution Among SAT Students
More girls than boys usually sign up for the SAT, but boys often have higher math scores. Most SAT test-takers identify as either male or female, but a small and growing group marks “non-binary” or another gender.
Male vs. Female Participation Rates
SAT data shows that girls tend to participate at a higher rate than boys. In recent years, about 7 percentage points more girls, on average, sign up for the test compared to boys.
Despite this, the performance gap between genders is less obvious in SAT totals than in high school grades. Boys are more likely to score in either the highest or lowest deciles, especially on the SAT Math section. For example, for every 100 girls who scored between 700-800 on math, about 160 boys achieved similar scores.
The table below illustrates the participation and math performance on the SAT by gender.
| Gender | % of Test Takers | Standout SAT Math Scores (700-800) |
|---|---|---|
| Female | Higher | 100 |
| Male | Lower | 160 |
Boys also tend to be overrepresented in top and bottom score ranges, while girls are more commonly found in the middle.
Non-Binary and Gender Diverse Test Takers
The SAT allows students to mark identities beyond just male or female. Test-takers can now identify as non-binary or choose another gender.
While the number of non-binary and gender diverse students is still small, awareness is growing. Test forms and college applications are starting to offer more options than before.
Reporting and support for these students are in early stages. Specific statistics are limited, but more schools and testing groups are working to recognize and support gender-diverse students. This change helps reflect the growing diversity among those who prepare for and take the SAT.
First-Generation College-Bound Students
First-generation college-bound students are those whose parents did not attend college. Many face unique challenges and often use different methods to prepare for the SAT compared to their peers.
Challenges Faced by First-Gen Students
First-generation students often have less support and knowledge about the SAT process. Their parents might not know about test dates, study resources, or fee waivers. This can make it harder for these students to figure out what steps to take.
Many first-generation students come from lower-income families. Cost can prevent them from buying prep books or paying for coaching. Some may work part-time jobs, which leaves less time for studying.
As a group, first-gen students are less likely to take the SAT or ACT. Data shows they are also less likely to complete advanced courses in high school, which can impact their readiness for the test.
Differences in Preparation Methods
First-generation students usually rely more on free or low-cost resources. Many use school or community programs for SAT practice. They might join study groups, work with teachers, or use online practice tests. Caddell Prep works with many of these schools to offer SAT prep that is free for the students. Public schools that serve students from lower socio-economic backgrounds tend to get more funding for educational resources and can use those funds for SAT preparation for their students,
Below is a table that shows common ways first-gen students prepare for the SAT.
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| School Programs | Free prep classes or after-school study groups |
| Online Resources | Practice tests and lessons from websites |
| Guidance Counselors | Help with sign-ups and college information |
| Peer Support | Sharing tips and studying with friends |
They may not have private tutors or expensive courses. This can limit their access to personalized feedback. Still, many first-generation students find creative ways to prepare by using what’s available to them.
English Language Learners
English Language Learners (ELLs) make up more than 10% of public school students in the United States. Their participation and performance on the SAT are shaped by unique factors like language barriers and differences in test preparation resources.
Participation Rates of ELL Students
The number of ELL students taking the SAT is lower than the rate for native English speakers. In 2021, about 5.3 million public school students in the U.S. were English learners, but only a small fraction of them took the SAT.
Less than 2% of ELL students in some states met or exceeded benchmarks on the SAT, according to recent reports. Participation can depend on the level of English proficiency, school support, and whether students feel ready for the challenge.
Some schools with large ELL populations offer targeted test days or preparation classes. However, many ELLs still face barriers, leading to less representation in SAT statistics compared to their peers.
Preparation Challenges for ELLs
ELL students often struggle with SAT preparation because of limited English skills. Standard SAT prep materials are mostly written in English, which makes studying harder for students still learning the language.
Access to resources is uneven. Some ELLs have teachers or programs to help, while others have few supports. They may not get extra practice with the reading and writing sections, which are especially difficult for English learners.
Key hurdles include understanding academic vocabulary, learning test strategies, and dealing with anxiety about the language barrier. Even motivated ELL students might find it tough to master key skills before test day, which can affect their scores.
Students With Disabilities
Many students with disabilities take the SAT every year. Their experiences can be different from other students in terms of access to test accommodations and support for preparation.
Demographics of Test Takers Receiving Accommodations
About 19% of undergraduate students have a disability. Still, a much smaller share of students with disabilities take the SAT compared to students without disabilities. Recent reports show that nearly 9% of special education students in charter schools took the SAT or ACT, versus 13% of students without disabilities.
Most students who take the SAT with a disability request some type of accommodation. Common accommodations include:
- Extended time
- Extra breaks
- Use of a computer for essays
- Large-print test booklets
Despite these supports, some students are discouraged from taking the test because of challenging approval processes or a lack of information. There can also be big differences in accommodation rates across schools and districts.
Support Systems for SAT Prep
Students with disabilities often need extra support to prepare for the SAT. Schools sometimes provide small-group or individualized prep sessions. Some students get help from tutors who specialize in working with learning needs.
Other supports can include:
- Practice tests with accommodations
- Study guides in accessible formats (like audiobooks or Braille)
- Access to school counselors or special education teachers
There can be gaps in access to these supports, especially in schools with fewer resources. Not all students know what is available, and not every family can pay for extra help outside school.
School Types and Settings
The types of high schools students attend and the setting of these schools can shape their SAT experience. Students from different backgrounds often have unique access to resources and test prep opportunities.
Public vs. Private School Participation
Students from public and private schools both take the SAT, but there are key differences. Public schools enroll most U.S. students, so more SAT test-takers usually come from these schools. Funding, class size, and college counseling can vary a lot between public and private schools.
Private school students may have better access to SAT prep courses, college advisors, and smaller class sizes. At private schools, SAT participation can be higher among students aiming for selective colleges. Public schools often serve a wider mix of family incomes, which affects test prep.
Some schools, especially well-funded private or magnet schools, make SAT prep a bigger part of their program. In contrast, under-resourced public schools might struggle to offer the same support.
Urban, Suburban, and Rural Differences
Urban schools often provide more SAT-related resources, like test preparation and guidance counselors, though student backgrounds can be very mixed. In cities, students may face more competition, but there are usually more opportunities to join prep programs.
Suburban students tend to have higher SAT scores on average. Suburban schools usually have more funding and college readiness support. Many suburban families also invest in outside SAT prep.
Rural students might have fewer SAT test dates or locations nearby. Sometimes, they travel longer distances to take the exam. Access to test prep or counselors in rural areas can be limited, making it harder for these students to prepare as fully.
Geographical Representation
Where students live can impact who takes the SAT. Different regions and communities often have unique trends in participation and demographics.
State-by-State SAT Demographics
SAT participation rates vary a lot from state to state. In the Northeast and parts of the South, more students tend to take the SAT because many colleges there require or prefer SAT scores for admission. States like New York, New Jersey, and Georgia usually have higher numbers of test-takers.
On the other hand, many states in the Midwest and West lean more toward the ACT. In places like Iowa, Nebraska, and Montana, fewer students take the SAT because these states focus more on the ACT for college admission. Some states, like Colorado and Illinois, have shifted from the ACT to the SAT in recent years due to changes in statewide testing contracts.
Table: SAT Participation Example
| State | % of Graduates Taking SAT (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| New Jersey | 80% |
| California | 60% |
| Iowa | 3% |
Urban and Rural Participation Rates
Urban schools usually have higher SAT participation rates compared to rural schools. A few reasons stand out—urban areas often have more test centers, better access to resources, and students there may be more likely to apply to out-of-state colleges that require the SAT.
Rural students sometimes face more barriers. These can include limited transportation, fewer prep courses, and less guidance about college entrance tests. As a result, SAT test-takers from rural areas make up a smaller share of the total group.
Key factors affecting rural participation:
- Distance to testing sites
- Fewer SAT prep resources
- Less emphasis on SAT in local high schools
These differences can lead to demographic gaps in which students take and prepare for the SAT depending on where they live.
Students’ Academic Performance Background
Students who sit for the SAT usually have a mix of academic strengths. Some have high grades, while others take challenging classes to prepare for college.
Grade Point Average Correlation
There is a consistent pattern between SAT scores and high school grade point averages (GPA). Students with higher GPAs are more likely to score higher on the SAT.
They often pay close attention to their coursework and study habits. According to research, SAT scores are one of the factors linked with college performance, but GPA can sometimes be an even better predictor because it reflects consistent effort across subjects.
A lot of SAT test-takers fall in the middle-to-upper GPA range—typically in the 3.0 to 4.0 range on a 4.0 scale. However, students with lower GPAs also participate, but on average, their SAT scores tend to be lower. This group includes a wide range of academic backgrounds.
Here’s a quick look at GPA ranges for SAT test-takers:
| GPA Range | Common SAT Score Range |
|---|---|
| 3.5–4.0 | 1200–1500 |
| 3.0–3.49 | 1000–1200 |
| Below 3.0 | Below 1000 |
Advanced Coursework and AP Classes
Many students who take the SAT enroll in advanced coursework, such as honors or Advanced Placement (AP) classes. These classes are designed to be more challenging and closely align with the skills needed for college.
Test-takers who enroll in AP courses usually develop better reading, writing, and math skills. This extra preparation often leads to higher SAT scores compared to students who do not take advanced classes.
Some schools offer special preparation programs or encourage students to take tougher classes if they are planning to take the SAT. Not all students have equal access to these courses, so there are gaps based on school resources and family background. Still, students from all backgrounds participate in SAT prep through a mix of classroom and self-study.
Popular Methods for SAT Preparation
Students get ready for the SAT in a few main ways. Some work with tutors or pay for prep services, while others use online tools and study on their own to practice.
Use of Tutors and Test Prep Services
Some students face the SAT with the help of paid tutors or companies that offer prep classes. These services can cost a lot, but students and families who can afford them often use them for more personalized help.
Tutors usually focus on weak points and can teach test-taking tricks. Big prep centers may offer group lessons, practice tests, and homework. These options are sometimes popular in private schools or wealthier communities.
However, not many students use paid SAT prep. Studies and reports suggest that only a small percentage, like 1 in 30 students, take a paid course. Home-schooled and public school students especially are less likely to use these services.
Self-Study and Online Resources
Many students who take the SAT do most of their prep on their own. They might use books, practice exams, and free online sites to get ready.
Khan Academy is one of the most popular free tools. It gives students practice questions, video lessons, and tips to make a study plan that fits their schedule and goals.
Self-study gives students flexibility. They can work at their own pace and focus on problems that trouble them. Many students start with a full practice test to see where they stand and then use online lessons and books for review.
A lot of students prefer these free and flexible methods, especially when cost is a concern or other options are not available.
Future Trends in SAT Student Demographics
The SAT is seeing new trends in who takes the test. In recent years, more students from underrepresented groups are signing up. This includes more students of color and those from low-income families.
Growing Participation
More than 1.9 million students from the class of 2023 took the SAT. This number shows that the test is becoming accessible to a broader group.
Diversity by Race and Ethnicity
Colleges and organizations are encouraging a mix of students to try the SAT. This has helped increase diversity among test takers.
| Demographic Trend | What’s Happening |
|---|---|
| Underrepresented Students | Participation rising |
| Low-Income Students | More access to fee waivers |
| Female Students | Numbers remain steady |
Technology and online tools are making it easier for students to prepare for the SAT. Free and low-cost prep resources are removing some barriers.
Test-optional admissions policies at some schools have also changed who wants to take the SAT. However, many students still see value in taking the test, especially in states or schools where scores could improve college options.
Frequently Asked Questions
SAT scores are shaped by things like family income, race and ethnicity, gender, and access to test prep tools. These details help paint a clearer picture of which students are taking the test and how different groups compare.
How has the average SAT score trended in the past few years?
Average SAT scores have gone through some changes over the past few years. Some groups have seen small increases or decreases from year to year, but there hasn’t been a huge jump up or down over time.
What are the average SAT scores for various income levels?
Students from higher-income families usually have higher average SAT scores. There is a strong link between family income and test performance. This can be because higher-income families often have more resources for SAT prep and support.
Which racial or ethnic group tends to score highest on the SAT?
On average, Asian students have the highest SAT scores compared to other racial and ethnic groups. White students also tend to score above the overall national average. Other groups may have lower average scores, but many factors can affect these numbers.
How does gender impact SAT scores on average?
There are slight differences in SAT scores between males and females. Boys often score a bit higher in math. Girls may do slightly better in reading and writing, but the gap is usually small.
What’s the percentage of high school students taking the SAT each year?
More than half of U.S. high school students take the SAT every year. The percentage can change depending on the state and the year. Some states require all students to take it, while in others it’s optional.
What do demographics tell us about students’ access to SAT prep resources?
Students from higher-income families and those whose parents have more education usually have more access to test prep resources. This includes tutoring, books, and SAT prep courses. Students from lower-income backgrounds might have less access, which can affect their scores.
