A Look at the Class of 1997
Along with SAT scores, the College Board has also released results from a survey of college-bound high school seniors who took the entrance exam this year. Among the findings in the 1997 Profile of College-Bound Seniors:
- There is evidence of grade inflation across the curriculum. This year's grade average for college-bound SAT takers was 3.22 on a 4-point scale, with an A equal to 4. The average in 1987 was 3.07.
- Nineteen percent of those SAT takers said they planned to major in a health-related field, more than any other category. The proportion of college-bound seniors planning to major in business dropped from 23 percent in 1987 to 13 percent.
- Education was listed as the major of choice among 9 percent of the students, compared with 6 percent a decade ago.
- Students are growing more ambitious academically. Fifty-four percent of those surveyed said they planned to obtain either a doctoral degree or a master's degree, compared with 43 percent a decade ago.
- The percentage of college-bound SAT takers who are female has risen slightly over the past decade, from 52 percent in 1987 to 54 percent this year.
Web Only
We encourage lively debate, but please be respectful of others. Profanity and personal attacks are prohibited. By commenting, you are agreeing to abide by our user agreement.
All comments are public.