The number of high school seniors who scored high enough on the ACT to earn admission to a college in Louisiana rose by 1,427 students this year, state Superintendent of Education John White said Thursday.

The ACT is a test of college readiness.

Students must score at least 18 out of a possible 36 points to get into a state college without having to take remedial classes.

This year’s increase means that, in the past two years, the number of students scoring an 18 or higher rose by 5,253.

“This news goes to prove that when we open the doors to opportunity, raise expectations and allow our kids to take a test that multiple states take and that has value across the country, our kids rise to the occasion,” White told reporters.

Last year marked the first time that every high school graduate had to take the test.

Students get a composite score, which represents an average of their reading, English, math and science results.

The test plays a key role in college admission and scholarships.

White said school districts and charter schools will get their results in the next few weeks.