The topic for this quantitative correlational study was the low proficiency in reading comprehension of graduates in the Jacksonville metropolitan area of North Florida. The research problem explored a statistically significant correlation between the Emotional Quotient score of the Emotional Intelligence inventory and individualized outcome scores on the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing portion of the SAT as a high-stakes examination used as a concordant score for graduation. The population included 18-20-year-old graduate participants who had completed a standard diploma from the Florida Department of Education. Participants were accepted regardless of gender, race, or socio-economic status. The research method was a non-experimental quantitative correlation design using recent graduates' archived data from the SAT (ERBW) and the results of a Rotterdam Emotional Intelligence Scale questionnaire to determine their current level of Emotional Intelligence. The results of the study concluded through five separate bi-variant (2-tailed) Pearson's correlation r analyses that there exists a statistically significant correlational relationship between a concordant score of a graduate's Emotional Quotient numerical score of Emotional Intelligence and their outcomes on the SAT(EBRW). In addition, a more statistically significant relationship exists between the fourth pillar of Self-Focused Regulation of Emotional Intelligence over the three other branches with the concordant score of a graduate's Emotional Quotient numerical score and their outcomes on the SAT(EBRW). Therefore, it is recommended that school systems with low-proficiency scores in reading comprehension redirect resources to investigate individual students' current state of Emotional Intelligence and enact methods and best practices to progress their Emotional Quotient throughout all levels of education. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]