Understanding the Superscore System
A superscore is the highest possible combined test score created from your best individual section scores across multiple test dates. To truly grasp the meaning of an SAT superscore, it helps to view your results as a compilation of your peak performances rather than a single day's snapshot. Instead of using the result from one test day, superscoring identifies your strongest performance on each section and calculates a new, higher composite score. Many colleges use superscores for both SAT® and ACT® admissions because they give a more accurate picture of your academic potential. This approach can benefit students who improve over time or perform differently across subjects. Superscoring is commonly used to help applicants present their strongest results.
Who is eligible, and do all colleges allow superscoring?
Any student who has taken the SAT or ACT more than once can create a superscore, but whether it can be used for admissions depends on each college’s testing policy. Many institutions accept SAT superscores or ACT superscores, while others only review scores from a single test date. Some colleges will superscore only one test type, and a few do not allow superscoring at all. Before sending scores, students should always review the official test policy on the college website to confirm if superscoring is accepted and whether they must submit all test attempts.
Can superscores be trusted?
Yes, superscores are considered reliable because they reflect your strongest performance in each test section rather than one single test day. Colleges view superscoring as a fair representation of your academic readiness since standardized testing spans multiple skills and subject areas. Research from testing organizations shows that superscoring can predict college success as accurately as traditional composite scoring. Since the SAT and ACT are standardized, your superscore still represents consistent testing standards. For many students, it provides a more complete and balanced view of their abilities.
Is superscoring fair to all student populations?
Superscoring is designed to give students the chance to showcase their strongest skills, but opinions on fairness vary. Supporters believe it benefits students who improve gradually or test better in certain subjects at different times. Some critics argue that students who can afford multiple test attempts may gain an advantage. To address this concern, many colleges offer fee waivers and flexible score policies so more students can benefit from superscoring. Overall, it aims to create a more accurate reflection of a student's potential rather than relying on a single testing experience.
How Does SAT Superscore Work?
SAT superscoring allows colleges to take your highest section scores from multiple test dates and combine them into one improved total score. Instead of using the results from one testing session, the superscore uses your best Math score and your best Reading and Writing score, even if they were earned at different times. Many students wonder whether you can superscore the SAT, and the answer depends on each college's policy. Some schools welcome SAT superscores and automatically calculate them when you submit multiple score reports, while others review only single test attempts. Always check score submission guidelines for each college before sending your results to make sure superscoring is accepted.
How to Calculate Your SAT Superscore
Imagine you took the 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 scores 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 an 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 |
After learning how to calculate your scores, you can boost your performance with our SAT prep course, which includes a complete study guide, a vast question bank, and interactive tools to master concepts and aim for top scores.
Colleges that allow SAT superscoring
Many colleges accept SAT superscores to evaluate applicants. These schools review all submitted test attempts and then combine your highest section scores to create your strongest overall result. Policies vary among institutions, but superscoring has become increasingly common, especially at selective and test-flexible colleges. Some schools may also require applicants to submit all test dates to ensure transparency in the superscoring process. Since policies can change from year to year, always verify the current SAT superscore policy on each college’s official admissions website before applying.
SAT Score Choice™ vs Superscore
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.
How Does ACT Superscore Work?
ACT superscoring works by taking your highest individual section scores from multiple ACT test dates and combining them to create a new composite score. Instead of relying on the results from one complete exam, the superscore highlights your strongest performance in English, Math, Reading, and Science, even if those scores were earned at different times. Many students ask whether you can superscore the ACT, and the answer depends on college policy. While a growing number of colleges accept an ACT superscore, some review only a single test attempt or require all scores to be submitted before calculating a superscore. Because policies differ, always check the admissions website for each school to confirm whether ACT superscoring is allowed and how scores should be submitted.
How to Calculate Your ACT 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 4 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 |
Once you understand your test results, our ACT prep course helps you prepare effectively with a comprehensive study guide, an extensive question bank, and smart practice tools to strengthen your skills and achieve high scores.
Colleges that allow ACT superscoring
A growing number of colleges now accept an ACT superscore when reviewing applications. These schools evaluate scores across multiple test attempts and combine your highest section results to create a stronger composite score. Some colleges automatically calculate a superscore from all submitted test dates, while others require applicants to send every score to ensure accuracy and consistency. Because ACT score policies vary widely and may change from year to year, students should always confirm superscoring details on each college’s official admissions page before submitting results.
Do SAT/ACT optional subjects count toward a superscore?
No, optional sections such as the SAT Essay or ACT Writing do not count toward a superscore. Superscoring only includes the core sections used to calculate your composite score: Math, and Reading and Writing for the SAT, and English, Math, Reading, and Science for the ACT. Optional sections are scored separately and may still be required or recommended by some colleges, so check each school’s policy before deciding whether to take them.
ACT Composite vs Superscore
A composite score is the total score you receive from a single SAT or ACT date, combining all the sections taken on that day. In contrast, a superscore is calculated by taking your highest individual section scores from multiple test dates and combining them into a new, higher total. While a composite score reflects performance on one exam, a superscore provides a more complete view of your abilities across different testing attempts. Understanding the difference can help you decide how to submit scores strategically to colleges.
Superscore Tips for SAT & ACT
Superscoring can be an advantage if you plan your testing strategy with intention. Instead of treating every test attempt the same, focus on improving one section at a time and use your previous results to guide your study plan. The goal is to raise your overall score by boosting weaker areas while keeping strong sections consistent.
Tips to make the most of superscoring:
- Review previous score reports to identify which sections already reflect your strengths and which areas need improvement.
- Target specific sections on future test dates instead of trying to improve everything at once.
- Use practice tests regularly to track progress and get comfortable with timing and pacing.
- Try an SAT superscore calculator or an ACT superscore calculator to estimate how much improvement could help your final result.
- Check each college’s admissions policy in advance so you know whether they accept SAT superscores or ACT superscores and whether they require all test scores to be submitted.
- Organize test dates and reporting deadlines early so you have enough time to retake the test if needed.
A thoughtful superscoring strategy helps you focus your prep and present the strongest score possible to colleges.
SAT and ACT superscoring: FAQS
Is superscoring better than sending one test score?
Superscoring can be more advantageous because it combines your highest section scores across multiple test dates, often resulting in a higher total score than any single test attempt. However, if you performed exceptionally well on one test day, sending that single score may be just as effective. The benefit depends on your testing history and the college’s policy.
How do colleges view ACT Superscores?
Colleges view ACT superscores as a valid and often preferred method of evaluating student potential. Because superscoring offers a more complete view of your abilities across different attempts, admissions officers typically treat a superscore with the same weight as a single-sitting composite score, allowing you to showcase your true academic readiness.
Do colleges look at other scores when superscoring?
This depends on the college’s submission requirements. If a school requires you to submit “all scores” for transparency, they will see your lower scores alongside your highest scores. However, if the college utilizes superscoring, they generally focus their evaluation on the highest combined score (the superscore) rather than the lower individual attempts.
How do I actually send my SAT Superscore to colleges?
There is no specific ‘superscore’ button. To get that score to admissions, you must identify your best test dates and follow the standard process to send SAT scores to colleges. Once received, the university’s system will automatically combine your highest sections.
