SAT results and participation drop in Alleghany

Alleghany County Schools’ Scholastic Aptitude Test SAT results fell behind those of the state, country, as well as neighboring counties this year. The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction released the results Aug. 30.

According to the report, 36 Alleghany High School students took the test this year, compared to 54 last year. Those students received an average score of 956, compared to 981 last year. While the average math score decreased by nine points, from 497 to 488 over last year, the average verbal score decreased by almost 20 points, sliding from 484 last year to 468 this year.

Alleghany’s Test Coordinator Frank Busic quickly noted an error in the numbers, which have 159 students in the county taking the test and having an average total score of 984. In actuality, the scores online are those of Alexander County.

“I have alerted the DPI testing department to inform them of the error,” he said. The numbers, as of 3 p.m. on Sept 1, were not updated. As for the results, Busic said, “The decrease of number (taking the test) could be attributed to the number of students planning to attend a four-year institution that requires an SAT score,” he offered. “Math and verbal have been down the last couple of years. This could be attributed to the ability of the students in the class. SAT scores probably depend on how well the students prepare themselves for the SAT.”

As for the comparison with other counties, he said,“We didn’t do as well in the state, and we didn’t compare well regionally. It’s disappointing.”

Comparison

Neighboring Elkin City had an average score closest to that of Alleghany County, with 992. According to the report, 52 high school students took the test there and received an average of 504 in math and 488 in verbal.

Students in Wilkes exceeded the state average, with an average total score of 1012. There, the average math score is 513, with an average verbal score of 499.

Students in Surry County came close to the country average, with a score of 1024. There, the average math score is 529 and the average verbal score is 495.

Students in Ashe County exceeded the country average, with an average score of 1041.

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