Sun-News reportLAS CRUCES — According to scores released Wednesday, New Mexico students scored about one point lower than the national average on the ACT college entrance exam.
Students from New Mexico scored a 19.9 out of a possible 36. This year's national average composite score was 21.1. Last year New Mexico's composite score was 19.8.
While New Mexico was near the bottom compared to other states, Mississippi scored the lowest with an average of 18.7. According to the numbers, Massachusetts scored the highest with 24.1.
New Mexico students scored an average of 19 in English, the same as last year, and a 19.6 in math, up 0.1 from 2011.
The state had one of the highest percentages of students taking the ACT, with 75 percent, or about 13,792 students.
According to The Associated Press, 52 percent of high school students nationwide took the ACT — including nine states where all students take it.
Students from New Mexico scored a 19.9 out of a possible 36. This year's national average composite score was 21.1. Last year New Mexico's composite score was 19.8.
While New Mexico was near the bottom compared to other states, Mississippi scored the lowest with an average of 18.7. According to the numbers, Massachusetts scored the highest with 24.1.
New Mexico students scored an average of 19 in English, the same as last year, and a 19.6 in math, up 0.1 from 2011.
The state had one of the highest percentages of students taking the ACT, with 75 percent, or about 13,792 students.
According to The Associated Press, 52 percent of high school students nationwide took the ACT — including nine states where all students take it.