Multiple studies have found that students whose parents have more education also tend to do better on standardized tests. These parents generally have experience with standardized tests themselves and may find it easier to help their children prepare for these tests. Since they have more education, they are likely to have better reading comprehension skills and a better understanding of advanced math. They are also more likely to have a better understanding of the criteria for successful college applications.

This means that families with less education are at a disadvantage and, for centuries, communities of color have had much less access to college education. Therefore, students of color are less likely to experience the boost in test scores from having parents with a college education. Because of these differences, some people question whether it is fair for the SAT and ACT to be included as criteria for college admission. If a college formulates admissions standards using these tests, it may not be admitting the students with the greatest potential.

The data table from the National Center for Education Statistics shows how average SAT scores for 2022 high school seniors correspond with their parents’ level of education.

Option 1: 

What is the biggest step up shown on this table, in total number of points scored?

A. No High School Diploma to High School Diploma

B. High School Diploma to Associate Degree

C. Associate Degree to Bachelor’s Degree

D. Bachelor’s Degree to Graduate Degree

Option 2: 

In 2022, 1,738,000 students took the SAT. How many students whose parents had no high school diploma took the SAT? How many students whose parents had a graduate degree took the SAT?