LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The state of Arkansas has seen an increase in the number of students participating in AP testing and their performance.

The results were released on Tuesday, reported Arkansas News,  and showed more than 25,000 students in the state took part in at least one AP exam.

That is a 0.8% increase from this time last year and an astounding 21.8% increase since 2011.

In all more almost 45,000 tests were taken by Arkansas students.

Out of the more than  25,000 students who took the test, 8,680 scored a 3 out of 5 or higher.

In addition, the diversity of the test takers who scored a 3 or higher has changed drastically as well.

Hispanic students increased more than 15%; Asian students by 13%; and black students by 2.7%.

“I am pleased to see this increase in Advanced Placement scores because it is an indication of the preparedness of students for college,” state Department of Higher Education Director Brett Powell said. “There are many studies that show that students who complete rigorous courses such as these in high school are more likely to successfully complete a college degree and complete it on time.”