Does the ACT Think Michigan Students Are Ready for College?

Michigan’s students in the class of 2015 scored just below the national average on the ACT high school achievement exam, according to results released Wednesday by the testing house.

The average composite score Michigan students earned was 20.1 out of a possible 36. The national average is 21, according to the released data. The score averages were the same for the class of 2014.

The exam tests students in four areas: English, reading, math and science. Overall, Michigan saw increases from last year in its English and reading scores, 19.3 to 19.4 and 20.2 to 20.3, respectively. The state’s scores in math and science—19.9 and 20.4, respectively—remained the same from last year.

»RELATED: Check Out the Entire ACT Report on Michigan Students

In terms of readiness for college-level work, only 22 percent of Michigan students were considered prepared, the report stated. That compares to 28 percent on the national level.

About 1.9 million students take the ACT nationally. Michigan is one of only 13 states that requires all of its students to take the exam.

Because of the findings, the Iowa City, Iowa-based ACT has asked for a call to action nationally to “improve educational outcomes and support college and career readiness for all students,” according to a press release by the testing company. ACT Chief Executive Officer Jon Whitmore stated in the release:

“The needle is barely moving on college and career readiness, and that means far too many young people will continue to struggle after they graduate from high school. This should be a wake-up call for our nation.”