Mass. SAT Scores Dip As Those Taking Test Increase

Massachusetts' SAT scores have dipped, even as participation in the standardized test used in college admissions has risen.

Despite the drop, state scores remain above the national average.

Massachusetts high schoolers in the class of 2011 had an average score of 505 in critical reading, down three points since last year, but above the national average of 494.

In math, students scored 521, down two points, but above the national average of 506. And in writing, students scored 500, down four points, but above the national average of 483.

One reason for the dip may be the increase in the number of Massachusetts students taking the test.

Hispanic students were the only group to show improvement on the test, with average scores jumping 2 points in both reading and writing.

Overall, 84 percent of students in the class of 2011 took the SAT, up from 75 percent last year.

With reporting by The Associated Press and the WBUR Newsroom