Data Definitions
Composite ACT
ACT scores reflect the scores reported to the eight institutions in the Utah System of Higher Education (USHE). The ACT test administered by ACT Inc. is an assessment that measures a student’s academic readiness for college. Scores range from 1-36. The Composite score reflects the average score of all subtests. Additional information about ACT results for Utah are available from Data Reports at the Utah State Board of Education.
ACT Benchmarks *
The ACT test is divided into four subtests of English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science. Scores range from 1-36. ACT identifies benchmark scores that indicate college-readiness. A benchmark score is the minimum score needed to indicate a 50% chance of obtaining a B or higher or about a 75% chance of obtaining a C or higher in the corresponding credit-bearing college course. For more information on ACT results among Utah high school graduates, see additional information at http://www.schools.utah.gov. The University of Utah reported ACT subtest scores (Reading, Science, Math, and English) for less than 10 percent of the students from the Class of 2010 who enrolled within 12 months of high school graduation.
High School Cohort
The Utah Class of 2010 reflects students who graduated with a basic high school diploma or an adult education secondary diploma (Carnegie Classification). Information about cohort graduation rates and dropout rates for all districts, schools, and charter schools in Utah is available here.
Public Utah Institutions
Postsecondary enrollment includes enrollment at the eight public colleges and universities in USHE.
Student Privacy
To protect student privacy, the Utah Data Alliance (UDA) does not disclose data if cell sizes are smaller than 10.
Utah Data Alliance
Data for this research were accessible through Utah’s state longitudinal data system database administered by the UDA, which includes data supplied by UDA partners and the StudentTracker service from the National Student Clearinghouse. This research including the methods, results, and conclusions may not reflect the views of all UDA partners. All errors are the responsibility of the author.
Utah Education Policy Center
The Utah Education Policy Center (UEPC) is an independent, non-partisan University of Utah research center in the College of Education that bridges research, policy, and practice for Utah public schools and higher education. The UEPC seeks to inform and influence educational policy in Utah and the region to increase educational equity, excellence, access, and opportunities for all children and adults in Utah.