If you're unhappy with how you did on one of these tests, you can take it again. That way, you can improve your scores and ensure the colleges you're applying to see your best results from each section.
Now that we understand the basics, let's explore more about SAT and ACT superscores, including how they're calculated, and answer some essential questions.
Who is eligible, and do all colleges allow superscoring?
Every student who has taken the SAT or ACT multiple times qualifies for superscoring, though not every college uses this method to evaluate test scores. To see if your preferred colleges accept superscores, reviewing their test score use policies is a good idea.
Can superscores be trusted?
Studies have found that superscoring—the method of using your highest scores from different SAT or ACT test dates—is a trustworthy way to show how ready you are for college. It lets colleges see you at your best in each section, making it a reliable measure of what you can do academically.
Is superscoring fair to all student populations?
Yes, superscoring is fair for everyone. Studies have shown that using superscoring doesn’t create any unfair advantages or disadvantages among different groups of students. Essentially, it gives all students an equal opportunity to present their highest scores.
How to Calculate Your SAT Superscore
Superscoring the SAT lets colleges use your highest scores from each section, even if those scores come from different test dates. For example, imagine you took the digital SAT and scored 550 in Math and 700 in Reading and Writing for a total of 1250. Wanting to improve, you studied more Math and retook the SAT. This time, your Math score rose to 650, but your Reading and Writing score fell to 600, again totaling 1250.
With superscoring, the college admissions committee would take your best scores from both tests—650 in Math from your second attempt and 700 in Reading and Writing from your first. They would then evaluate your application with a combined SAT score of 1350, reflecting the best of your performances.
Below is a table that demonstrates an example of SAT superscore:
| Section score | SAT Score #1 | SAT score #2 | Superscore |
|---|---|---|---|
| Math | 550 | 650 | 650 |
| Reading & Writing | 700 | 600 | 700 |
| Composite Score | 1250 | 1250 | 1350 |
What is the difference between superscoring and Score Choice®?
While SAT superscore combines your highest section scores from different test dates, Score Choice offers a different approach. Provided by the College Board®, Score Choice allows you to select which complete SAT score report to send to colleges. For instance, if you took the digital SAT three times with scores of 950, 1200, and 1050, you could choose only to send the 1200 score to prospective colleges using Score Choice.
If you plan to apply to schools that superscore the SAT, visit our blog for a comprehensive list of colleges that follow this method.
How to Calculate Your ACT Superscore
Just like with the SAT, your ACT superscore is created by combining your highest scores from each tested section—English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science—across multiple test dates. This results in your highest possible composite score. However, you must have scores from at least two separate testing sessions to compile a superscore.
To determine your ACT superscore, compare your scores from each section across all the tests you've taken. Select the highest score from each section and add them together. Then, divide the total by four to get your average. If this calculation results in a decimal, round it to the nearest whole number. This final score is what you can report to colleges, and if they accept ACT superscores, it could enhance your application's competitiveness.
To help you understand this process in detail, we have put together an example of the ACT superscore calculator in the following table.
| Section score | ACT Score #1 | ACT score #2 | Superscore |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 28 | 31 | 31 |
| Mathematics | 27 | 30 | 30 |
| Reading | 30 | 28 | 30 |
| Science | 29 | 31 | 31 |
| Composite Score | 29 | 30 | 31 |
Does the ACT Writing score count toward a superscore?
No, the Writing section score is not included in your ACT composite score, so it is not considered for superscoring.
How is the ACT Composite score different from an ACT superscore?
The ACT composite score is calculated by averaging the four subject scores from a single test attempt. In contrast, your ACT superscore is compiled using your highest scores from each subject across multiple test attempts. It's important to note that your superscore will typically be higher than any of your individual composite scores from a single test.
If you're applying to colleges that superscore the ACT, don't miss our blog post featuring a list of institutions that utilize this scoring technique.
Tips for Applying to Schools That Superscore SAT or ACT
If you're targeting schools that use superscoring, follow these tips to enhance your application:
By using these strategies and understanding the benefits of superscoring, you can optimize your test-taking efforts and enhance your chances of gaining admission to your preferred colleges. Remember, every section you improve is a step closer to achieving your higher education goals.
References
- What's an SAT Superscore?. (n.d.). Collegeboard.org. Retrieved February 23, 2024, from https://blog.collegeboard.org/what-is-an-sat-superscore
- ACT Superscoring. (n.d.). act.org. Retrieved February 23, 2024, from https://www.act.org/content/act/en/new-act-options/superscoring.html
- Superscore FAQs. (n.d.). act.org. Retrieved February 23, 2024, from https://www.act.org/content/act/en/new-act-options/superscoring.html
- How to Calculate Your ACT Superscore . (n.d.). act.org. Retrieved February 23, 2024, from https://www.act.org/content/act/en/students-and-parents/high-school-success/testing-advice-for-the-act/how-to-calculate-your-act-superscore.html
