New Jersey Average SAT Scores Released

Local students find that the bar is set high when it comes to the SAT exam.  While the national average SAT score is 1060, the average for New Jersey students stands at 1117, with Reading/Writing scores slightly higher than those for Math.

Locally, SAT scores are substantially higher than both the state and national average with Princeton High School at 1334, Montgomery High School at 1327, Bridgewater/Raritan High School at 1258 and Hillsborough High School at 1249.  Since college admissions officers compare students to peers from their specific high school, many feel the pressure to excel.

A popular time for students to take the SAT is late August. This summer exam is being offered for the sixth consecutive year after being eliminated back in the 1970’s. Students often view summer as the perfect opportunity to prepare for the exam without the pressures of school, homework, and after school activities.

While any high school student can take the SAT on any test date, and ultimately use their highest scores for college admissions, the August test date is particularly attractive to rising seniors.  College-bound students are becoming more aware of the benefits of meeting “early action” (typically November 1st) college application deadlines. Getting the SAT done in August provides time for them to get their scores back and, if necessary, take the test one more time on October 1st. The fall of senior year is a particularly stressful time for students who are struggling to write college essays while completing their applications and focusing on their schoolwork.  If they can cross “taking the SAT” off their to-do list, a lot of anxiety can be alleviated.

Younger students are also attracted to the summer SAT exam. Those who are heavily involved in competitive sports, band, or other time-intensive activities during the school year often appreciate the opportunity to take the SAT during a more leisurely time of year.  Students also realize that the earlier they start to take the SAT, the more opportunities they have to address any areas of weakness in order to improve their scores.  When it comes time to file applications, most colleges allow students to submit only their highest SAT scores.  Some colleges even allow students to “superscore,” whereby they consider a student’s highest Math score from one test date and their highest Evidence-based Reading and Writing score from another. 

If past years are any indication, there will likely be a shortage of available seats in Central New Jersey for the August SAT.  Students should register early, or their families may have to embark on a road trip to get a seat for this extremely popular testing date.

Susan Alaimo is the founder and director of Collegebound Review that, for the past 25 years, has offered PSAT/SAT® preparation and private college advising by Ivy League educated instructors. Visit CollegeboundReview.com or call 908-369-5362