Did You Know That...
Pet-Owning Students Score Higher on SATs

Although achieving high scores on the SATs can seem daunting, pet-owning students might be better equipped.

"We've always known that pets are a welcome respite from life's everyday anxieties—a perfect remedy for stress," said Funda Alp, APPMA's communications director. "That's why it was no surprise to us that playing with pets helps students relax and enhance their ability to focus, absorb information better and reduce the nervousness that is often a barrier to successful test-taking."

Small animal, reptile and fish owners scored higher on their combined SAT scores. Fish owners scored the highest in math and verbal scores, with a combined score 200 points higher than non-owners

Owners who spent approximately four hours a day with their pets scored above average on the SATs and had above average grade point averages.