Shown below is a sampling of nationwide averages on the math and verbal sections of the ACT and the SAT (formerly the Scholastic Aptitude Test) since 1980. Officials with the College Board, which offers the SAT, have raised concerns over stagnating scores on the test’s verbal section.

Note: For both the ACT and the SAT, each year listed above represents the end of a test-taking cycle. For instance, scores listed for 2002 are for tests taken during the 2001-02 school year.
SOURCE: ACT Inc. and the College Board