Students in the Vicksburg Warren School District scored higher on average on the ACT than students throughout the state.

Overall, however, Mississippi ranked last in terms of scores on the national level.

For the 2005-2006 school year, the local average composite for students taking the optional test was 19.1.

The state average was 18.8.

In English, local students averaged 19.6.

The state average was 19.1.

In math, local students averaged 18.1.

The state average was 18.

In reading, local students averaged 19.3.

The state average was 19.1.

In science, local students averaged 18.9.

The state average was 18.7.

A score of 36 is the highest possible in any of the subject areas or the composite. The local composite rose from 18.8 the previous year.

Nationally, the average composite score was 21.1 percent, up from 20.9 percent in 2005 and the largest score increase in 20 years.

The American College Test is designed to predict aptitude for college-level work and is used as an admissions marker for all schools in Mississippi and many in the Southeast. Elsewhere, the SAT or Scholastic Aptitude Test is chosen. Both are marketed by private companies.

Even though the test is intended for college-bound students, 93 percent of Mississippi students in the state took the exam last year. It is required for many aid, summer work and scholarship programs.

&#8220We’re very pleased our students scored better across the board than the state average in every category,” said VWSD Superintendent James Price. &#8220In addition, our scores in every category are higher than they have ever been.”

The test is given on selected Saturdays each year and takes most of a day.

&#8220A big part of this is that more and more students are taking the test at younger ages and they’re taking it several times,” Price said. &#8220It helps students get acclimated to the instructions of the test and how to take it.”