The admission score for the 2026 high school entrance exam in the U.S. varies widely depending on the specific school and state. There is no standardized national score for high school entrance exams in the U.S., as each state and school district may have its own criteria and requirements. For instance, the New York State High School Equivalency Examination (TASC) has a passing score of 580 out of 800, while the California High School Proficiency Exam (CHSPE) requires a minimum score of 350 out of 500. Additionally, private schools and magnet programs may have higher standards, often requiring scores in the 90th percentile or above on standardized tests like the SAT or ACT.

The reason for the lack of a uniform score is due to the diverse educational landscape in the U.S. Each state has its own educational standards and assessments, which are designed to meet the unique needs of its students. For example, the Common Core State Standards Initiative has been adopted by most states, but not all, and this has led to variations in the content and difficulty of entrance exams. Furthermore, the U.S. Department of Education does not mandate a specific score for high school entrance exams, allowing schools to set their own admission criteria based on their specific needs and resources.

Data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) indicates that the average composite score on the SAT in 2023 was 1050 out of 1600, with a mean score of 530 on the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section and 530 on the Math section. For the ACT, the average composite score was 20.8 out of 36, with a mean score of 21.2 on the English section and 20.9 on the Math section. These scores are used as benchmarks by many schools for admission, but they are not the only criteria considered. Factors such as extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation, and personal essays also play a significant role in the admissions process.

In conclusion, the admission score for the 2026 high school entrance exam in the U.S. is not a fixed number but rather a range that depends on the specific school and state. The lack of a standardized score reflects the diverse educational landscape and the autonomy of individual schools to determine their own admission criteria.