PreACT and ACT Test Scores Associated with AP Exam Success

PreACT and ACT Test Scores Associated with AP Exam Success

PreACT and ACT test scores are linked to success in Advanced Placement (AP) exams, providing a framework for identifying academically prepared students. This research highlights the specific score thresholds necessary for achieving a score of 3 or higher on AP exams, which can guide educators in recommending AP courses. The study analyzes data from over 49,000 students, offering insights into the relationship between standardized testing and AP exam performance. Educators and administrators can utilize these findings to better support students in their academic journeys, particularly in high school settings.

Key Points

  • Identifies PreACT and ACT scores that predict AP exam success.
  • Analyzes data from over 49,000 students across 318 high schools.
  • Provides specific score thresholds for AP English and STEM-related courses.
  • Recommends using standardized test scores alongside other measures for student readiness.
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ACT Research & Policy | Data Byte | August 2020
PreACT and ACT Test Scores Associated
with AP Exam Success
Justine Radunzel, PhD, and Jeff Allen, PhD
Many schools, districts, and states administer the PreACT
®
and/or the ACT
®
test to
measure readiness for college and careers. A recent study suggests that these test
scores can also be used to help identify students who are academically prepared and
may benefit from some of the more rigorous courses offered in high schools across the
nation, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses.
1
The purpose of this brief is to
highlight the PreACT and ACT AP-ready scores found in the study. The most common
use cases would be using:
• PreACT 8/9 tests administered in grades 8 or 9 to measure readiness for AP courses
taken in grades 9 or 10
• PreACT tests taken in grade 10 to measure readiness for AP courses taken in grade 11
• ACT tests taken in grades 10 or 11 to measure readiness for AP courses taken in grades
11 or 12
The study found that PreACT and ACT test scores are positively related to AP exam
scores and are good predictors of success. The recommended linkages to AP exam
success—defined two ways by either receiving a score of 3 or higher on the AP
exam
or receiving a 4 or higher on the AP exam—were developed in relation to content-
relevant scores for most courses (as shown in Table 1). More specifically, the sum of the
English and Reading scores (denoted E+R) and the English Language Arts (ELA) score
(average of the English, reading, and writing scores—not available for the PreACT test)
were used for ELA-related AP courses, and the STEM score (average of the math and
science scores) was used for STEM-related courses.
For each course and outcome, two AP-ready scores are provided—one for fall and one
for spring testing depending on when students take the ACT assessment (PreACT 8/9,
PreACT, or ACT test). For example, the first row of results within the table indicates that
students who tested in the fall and achieved a PreACT or ACT E+R score of 42 or higher
are likely academically ready to succeed in AP English Language and Composition in
the subsequent year as they have a 50% or greater chance of earning a 3 or higher on
the corresponding AP exam. Those with a PreACT or ACT E+R score of 54 or higher
1
Radunzel, J., & Allen, J. (2020). Predicting success on Advanced Placement exams using ACT Aspire, PreACT, and
ACT test scores. Iowa City, IA: ACT. https://www.act.org/content/dam/act/unsecured/documents/R1835-predicting-
success-AP.pdf. Data for the study was available for 49,220 students from 318 high schools who had taken at least one
AP exam in May of 2015 through May of 2019 and had previously taken ACT Aspire
®
, PreACT, or the ACT test.
ACT, Inc. 2020
© by ACT, Inc. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non
Commercial 4.0 International License.https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
ACT.org/research
R1839
have a 50% or greater chance of earning a 4 or higher score. The AP-ready scores
derived from spring testing are slightly higher at 45 (for 3 or higher) and 56 (for 4 or
higher) to account for the reduced time between taking the ACT assessment and the
AP exam.
For a holistic view of student readiness, we recommend using PreACT or ACT scores in
combination with other measures (e.g., high school coursework taken, high school grades,
motivation, interest) to assess readiness for AP courses.
Table 1. PreACT/ACT Scores Associated with a 50% Chance of Success on AP
Exams—continued
PreACT/
ACT score
3 or higher 4 or higher
AP course Fall Spring Fall Spring
ELA-related
English Language and
Composition
E+R 42 45 54 56
ELA 20 21 25 26
English Literature and
Composition
E+R 49 51 61 62
ELA 23 24 28 28
European History
E+R 45 49 57 60
ELA 21 23 26 28
Human Geography
E+R 41 41 52 52
ELA 19 19 24 24
Psychology
E+R 39 42 46 49
ELA 19 20 22 23
US Govt and Politics
E+R 47 50 59 61
ELA 22 23 27 28
US History
E+R 44 47 55 57
ELA 21 22 25 26
World History
E+R 39 43 51 55
ELA 19 20 24 25
STEM-related
Biology STEM 22 23 26 27
Calculus AB* STEM 25 25 28 28
Chemistry STEM 24 25 28 29
Computer Science A STEM 24 24 28 28
Environmental Science STEM 23 24 25 26
Macroeconomics STEM
24 26 27 28
Microeconomics STEM 23 25 25 28
Physics 1** STEM 27 27 30 30
Physics C: E and M STEM 26 28 28 30
Physics C: Mechanics STEM 25 25 28 28
Statistics STEM 23 24 27 28
ACT Research & Policy | Data Byte | August 2020
2
Table 1. PreACT/ACT Scores Associated with a 50% Chance of Success on AP
Exams—continued
PreACT/
ACT score
3 or higher 4 or higher
AP course Fall Spring Fall Spring
Other
Art History Comp. 22 22 28 28
Music Theory Comp. 21 22 25 27
PSAT/SAT-derived
Comparative Govt. and
Politics
Comp. 22 22 25 25
Computer Science
Principles
Comp. 18 18 25 25
Note. E+R = English + Reading score. Comp. = Composite score. ELA scores are only available for the ACT test.
*Cut scores are not reported for AP Calculus BC. As recommended by College Board as part of AP
Potential, students who meet the AP Calculus AB cut scores and perform well in courses leading up to
Calculus may consider taking AP Calculus BC.
**Cut scores are not reported for AP Physics 2. As recommended by College Board as part of AP Potential,
students who meet the AP Physics 1 cut scores and perform well in prerequisite courses for AP Physics 2
may consider taking AP Physics 2.
ACT Research & Policy | Data Byte | August 2020
3
Justine Radunzel, PhD
Justine Radunzel is a principal research scientist in Validity and Efficacy Research
specializing in postsecondary outcomes research and validity evidence for the ACT test.
Jeff Allen, PhD
Jeff Allen is a statistician and director in Validity and Efficacy Research. He specializes in
longitudinal research of educational outcomes, student growth models, and validation of
college readiness measures.
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End of Document
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FAQs of PreACT and ACT Test Scores Associated with AP Exam Success

What is the significance of PreACT and ACT scores for AP exams?
PreACT and ACT scores serve as indicators of a student's readiness for Advanced Placement (AP) courses and exams. The study found that higher scores correlate with a greater likelihood of achieving a passing score of 3 or higher on AP exams. Specifically, it outlines score thresholds for various AP subjects, helping educators identify students who may benefit from rigorous coursework. This predictive relationship emphasizes the importance of standardized testing in guiding academic decisions and supporting student success in advanced studies.
How are the AP-ready scores determined in the study?
The AP-ready scores are derived from the analysis of PreACT and ACT test results, focusing on specific subject areas such as English Language Arts and STEM. The study establishes score thresholds that indicate a 50% or greater chance of earning a passing score on AP exams. For instance, an E+R score of 42 or higher on the PreACT or ACT suggests readiness for AP English Language and Composition. These thresholds vary slightly between fall and spring testing, reflecting the time frame between the ACT assessment and the AP exam.
What recommendations does the study make for educators?
The study recommends that educators use PreACT and ACT scores in conjunction with other indicators, such as high school grades and coursework, to assess student readiness for AP courses. By integrating these standardized test scores with qualitative measures, educators can make informed decisions about student placements in advanced classes. This holistic approach aims to better support students' academic paths and enhance their chances of success in AP exams.
What types of AP courses are analyzed in the study?
The study analyzes a range of AP courses, including both English Language Arts and STEM-related subjects. Specific courses highlighted include AP English Language and Composition, AP Calculus AB, AP Biology, and AP Chemistry, among others. Each course has designated score thresholds that indicate the likelihood of achieving a passing score on the corresponding AP exam. This detailed analysis helps educators understand the varying requirements for different subjects and tailor their recommendations accordingly.

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