An In-Depth Exploration of SAT® Math Scores for Use in College Course Placement

Oct 15, 2026

Uploaded by Callum

In-depth analysis of how SAT® Math scores relate to college mathematics course performance and readiness for course placement. The study examines measures of college readiness and math outcomes across institutions with different admission selectivity, using descriptive statistics, correlations with HSGPA, and accuracy-oriented evaluation. It estimates differential validity, differential prediction, and the probability of earning grades at or above B across SAT score bands, calculus and statistics contexts, and time since most recent SAT.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages29

Reading Time1 h 13 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Introduction

College Readiness and Math Course Performance Measures

Data and Methods

Measures

Analyses

Differential Validity

Accuracy Rates

Probability of Success

Differential Prediction

Results

Differential Validity

Accuracy Rates

Probability of Success

Differential Prediction

JUNE 2025 An In-Depth Exploration of SAT® Math Scores for Use in College Course Placement PAUL A. WESTRICK, JESSICA P. MARINI, AND EMILY J. SHAW Table of Contents Abstract ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4 Introduction ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 5 College Readiness and Math Course Performance Measures .................................................................................................................... 6 Data and Methods .................................................................................................................................................................................. 6 Measures ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 6 Table 1: Descriptive Statistics, Means (Standard Deviations), Overall and by Institution Admission Selectivity .............. 7 Table 2: Descriptive Statistics, Means (Standard Deviations), by First Math Course and Overall..................................... 7 Table 3: Descriptive Statistics by First Math Course and Admission Selectivity ................................................................ 8 Figure 1: Average Math Course Grade by SAT Math Score Bands .................................................................................... 9 Figure 2: Average Math Course Grade by SAT Math Score Bands and Admission Selectivity........................................... 9 Figure 3: Average Math Course Grade by SAT Math Score Bands and Time of Most Recent SAT .................................... 10 Figure 4: Average Math Course Grade by SAT Math Score Bands and within HSGPA Levels ........................................... 11 Analyses .................................................................................................................................................................................................. 11 Differential Validity ....................................................................................................................................................................... 11 Accuracy Rates .............................................................................................................................................................................. 11 Probability of Success ................................................................................................................................................................... 12 Differential Prediction................................................................................................................................................................... 12 Results .................................................................................................................................................................................................... 12 Differential Validity ....................................................................................................................................................................... 12 Table 4: Adjusted (Raw) Correlations for SAT Scores and HSGPA with Any Math Course Grade ...................................... 14 Table 5: Adjusted (Raw) Correlations for SAT Scores and HSGPA with Math Course Grades ........................................... 14 Accuracy Rates .............................................................................................................................................................................. 15 Table 6. Accuracy Rates,

FAQs

What is the document’s main focus regarding SAT® Math scores?

It explores how SAT® Math scores can be used to support college course placement by examining their relationship to math course performance and readiness measures.

How does the study evaluate the usefulness of SAT® Math for placement?

It assesses differential validity and differential prediction, includes accuracy rates, and estimates probabilities of earning grades such as B or higher.

Which comparisons are used to analyze performance outcomes?

The document compares results across SAT Math score bands, institution admission selectivity, first math course type, and time of the most recent SAT.

Oct 15, 2026

Uploaded by Callum