COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — South Carolina’s graduating seniors posted lower scores on the SAT college entrance exam for the fourth consecutive year, but more students than ever are taking college-level Advanced Placement courses, according to data released Monday by the tests’ administrator.

The average composite score for the Class of 2012 on the SAT’s math, critical reading and writing portions was 1,431. That’s five points below last year and 23 points below 2008’s recalculated figure. The national average dropped two points from 2011 to 1,498, according to the College Board.