New York’s Class of 2026 SAT Results Show Record Gains and Strong Participation
New York students once again outperformed the national average on the SAT for the Class of 2026, according to the latest College Board data released in December 2025. The state’s mean score of 1,053 not only tops the national mean of 1,045 but also marks the fifth consecutive year of superiority. At the same time, participation hit its highest level since 2020, reflecting a renewed interest in standardized testing even as many colleges adopt test‑optional policies.
New York Outperforms the Nation
The Class of 2026 earned a combined mean SAT score of 1,053, an eight‑point increase from the previous year. This performance puts New York ahead of the national average for the fifth straight year and the highest statewide mean since 2022. “Seeing our students achieve at this level is encouraging,” said State Education Commissioner Maria Rodriguez. “It demonstrates the hard work of teachers, families, and the broader education community.”
| Metric | New York (2026) | National (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Mean SAT Score | 1,053 | 1,045 |
| Participation Rate | 63 % | ≈58 % |
| Top‑scorers (1400‑1600) | 9 % | 9 % |
Record Participation and Student Engagement
This year, **127,180** high‑school seniors took the SAT, representing **63 %** of all eligible students in New York—the highest participation rate since the Class of 2020. The surge comes despite the growing prevalence of test‑optional admissions. “Even with many colleges offering test‑optional admissions, students recognize that having an SAT score gives them additional options when applying to colleges,” explained Baldwin High School Assistant Principal Stephen Saravia. “As educators, we want students to have as many opportunities available to them as possible, and taking the SAT can be one part of that process.”
Score Highlights and Subject Performance
The statewide performance continues a positive trend. Nine percent of test‑takers scored in the **1400‑1600** range, matching the national average and representing the highest share of top scorers since 2022. Math performance was especially strong: **11 %** of students achieved the highest possible math scores of **700‑800**, the best percentage the state has seen since that benchmark first hit 11 % in 2022. Reading and writing scores were also solid, with **9 %** hitting the top tier.
College Majors and Institutional Interest
Top Intended Majors
Business remains the most popular intended major among New York SAT takers, selected by **21,860** students (17 %). This marks the fourth straight year that business leads the statewide rankings. Clinical sciences follow closely, chosen by **19,711** students (15 %). The shift reflects broader workforce trends and the appeal of fields that combine analytical rigor with clear career pathways.
| Intended Major | Number of Students | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Business | 21,860 | 17 % |
| Clinical Sciences | 19,711 | 15 % |
| Engineering | 15,660 | 12 % |
Where New York Students Send Score Reports
While more than 127,000 students sat for the SAT, only **52,210**—just over 40 %—chose to have their scores sent to colleges. The top recipient by a wide margin is **Stony Brook University**, which received reports from **14,067** students. This marks Stony Brook’s second consecutive year at the top. Other major recipients include **Binghamton University** (9,758 reports) and **SUNY Buffalo** (7,941 reports). Prior to Stony Brook’s rise, Binghamton had claimed the leading spot each year since 2020.
What Educators Are Saying
“I think it’s encouraging to see more students participating in the SAT again,” said Baldwin High School Assistant Principal Stephen Saravia. “Even with many colleges offering test‑optional admissions, students recognize that having an SAT score gives them additional options when applying to colleges. As educators, we want students to have as many opportunities available to them as possible, and taking the SAT can be one part of that process.”
The resurgence in participation echoes a broader national trend. In 2021, SAT participation nationwide fell to roughly 1.5 million test‑takers from 2.2 million the year before, largely due to COVID‑related disruptions. This year’s rebound suggests that students and families are again viewing the SAT as a valuable component of college and career planning.
Looking Ahead
As New York consolidates its position above the national average, educators and policymakers are watching for the next phase of data. The College Board is expected to release additional breakdowns—such as socioeconomic and gender disparities—in early 2026, which could further refine outreach and support programs.
For now, the Class of 2026’s performance offers a snapshot of a resilient and ambitious generation. With strong participation, solid scores, and clear academic interests, New York’s students appear well‑positioned to navigate the evolving landscape of higher education.
Education reporters and analysts continue to monitor these trends for insights into college readiness, equity in testing, and the shifting role of standardized assessments in admissions. Stay tuned for updates as the College Board rolls out more detailed reports later this spring.
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