Planning to apply to Ivy League schools after taking the ACT multiple times? You're probably wondering whether these elite institutions will superscore your results. The answer isn't a straightforward yes or no. Each Ivy League school has its own testing policy, and understanding these differences can help you make smarter decisions about which scores to submit and how to approach your test preparation.
ACT superscoring means a college takes your highest section scores from multiple test dates and combines them to create your best possible composite score. For example, if you scored highest in English and Math on one test date and highest in Reading and Science on another, a school that superscores would use all four of your best section scores to calculate a new composite.
Superscoring can significantly benefit students who perform inconsistently across different test dates. According to ACT research, students who take the ACT more than once typically see score improvements.
Most Ivy League schools do not superscore the ACT in the traditional sense, though some pay attention to your highest section scores.
Yale University superscores the ACT. The admissions office will take your highest section scores from different test dates and combine them to form your best possible composite score. Starting in the 2024-2025 cycle, Yale reinstated its testing requirement, though students can now submit ACT, SAT, AP, or IB scores under a test-flexible policy.
University of Pennsylvania superscores both the SAT and ACT. Penn will consider your highest scores in each section across all test dates to calculate a composite superscore. Of all the Ivy League schools, Penn offers one of the most student-friendly testing policies.
Columbia University superscores the ACT and accepts Score Choice, giving you control over which test dates to submit. Score Choice allows you to pick and choose which testing sessions appear on your official score report.
Brown University also superscores the ACT and accepts Score Choice, making it one of the more flexible Ivy League schools in terms of testing policy. You can strategically select your strongest test dates without worrying about weaker performances showing up.
Harvard University and Princeton University take a slightly different approach. Both schools will note and consider your highest section scores across multiple test dates, but they don't recalculate a new composite score. For Harvard specifically, the admissions office focuses on achieving your highest possible total on a single test day.
What does this mean in practice? If you scored a 35 in English on one test and a 36 in Math on another, Harvard will see those individual section scores. However, they'll still prioritize your single best composite score from one sitting.
Dartmouth College has some conflicting information in its policies. While some sources indicate Dartmouth superscores the ACT, the school's own statements suggest they consider the highest composite score but do not combine subscores from multiple test dates. If Dartmouth is on your list, check their official admissions website for the most current policy or call the admissions office directly.
Cornell University is in a transition period. For 2025 applicants, Cornell is test-recommended, but in 2026, the university will require test scores from all applicants. While Cornell will superscore, they recommend submitting all scores to give the admissions committee the fullest picture of your academic profile.
Understanding superscore policies should influence how you approach your test preparation and which scores you ultimately submit.
Take the ACT multiple times. Even if your target schools don't superscore, taking the test more than once often leads to score improvements. You'll become more comfortable with the format, pacing, and question types. Most students benefit from at least two testing attempts. Want to know how many times you should take the ACT? The answer depends on your individual circumstances and score progression.
Focus on consistent improvement. For schools that don't superscore, your single highest composite score matters most. Work on strengthening your weakest sections so all four scores are solid on the same test date. You might consider targeted tutoring for your weakest sections rather than broad test prep for all areas.
Keep detailed records. Track your section scores from each test date. Create a simple spreadsheet showing your English, Math, Reading, and Science scores from each sitting, along with your composite. If you're applying to a mix of schools with different policies, you'll want to know which scores to highlight in each application.
Submit strategically. For schools that accept Score Choice, you can be selective about which test dates to send. For schools that request all scores, prepare to submit your complete testing history. Some students worry this will hurt their chances, but admissions officers understand that test performance can vary and they're looking for your best work.
Starting in April 2025, the ACT is making significant changes to its testing structure. Students who take the online ACT will have their superscore calculated using only three sections: English, Math, and Reading. The Science section will become optional, similar to how the Writing test is currently optional. All test takers will see these changes by September 2025.
What does this mean for you? If you're stronger in three of the four sections, these changes might work in your favor. However, if Science is one of your best sections and you're applying to STEM programs, you might still want to take it to demonstrate your abilities in that area.
If you're still deciding which test to take, know that Ivy League schools accept both tests equally and have no preference. The ACT includes a Science section and moves at a faster pace, while the SAT allows more time per question and focuses more on reasoning. Take a practice test of each to see which feels more natural to you.
Some students actually take both tests and submit whichever score is stronger. While this requires more preparation time, it can be worthwhile if you perform significantly better on one test format over the other.
While test scores matter, especially now that most Ivy League schools have reinstated testing requirements, they're just one part of your application. A score of 35 or higher on the ACT is typically competitive for most Ivy League schools, but no score guarantees admission. Want to see what scores top colleges actually look for? The ranges might surprise you.
Admissions officers look at the whole picture. Your grades, course rigor, extracurricular involvement, essays, and recommendations all play crucial roles. In fact, many admissions officers spend more time reading your essays than looking at your test scores. Your college essay is your chance to show who you are beyond the numbers.
If you're feeling overwhelmed by standardized testing or the broader college admissions process, you're not alone. Many families find that working with experienced educators makes a meaningful difference. We approach testing not as a numbers game but as an opportunity to develop critical thinking and confidence that will serve students well beyond college admissions.
At LifeWorks, we've been helping students navigate the college admissions process since 2004, offering personalized support that addresses both academic preparation and the emotional journey of applying to college.
Get in touch with us to schedule a conversation about your goals.
Should I retake the ACT if I'm applying to schools that don't superscore?
If you believe you can improve your composite score on a single test date, retaking the ACT can be worth it. Consider your current score, how much time you have to prepare, and where your target schools' middle 50% ranges fall.
Do I need to send all my ACT scores to Ivy League schools?
Score Choice policies vary by school. Some schools like Brown and Columbia allow you to choose which scores to send, while others prefer to see your complete testing history for context.
Will superscoring help me if my composite scores are similar?
Superscoring can help even if your composite scores are close. If you scored a 34 twice with different section breakdowns, superscoring could potentially give you a 35 or 36 composite using your best section scores from both dates.
How many times should I take the ACT?
Most students take the ACT two to three times. Taking it more than four times can raise questions about genuine improvement versus score obsession without meaningful preparation between attempts.
Can I submit both ACT and SAT scores to Ivy League schools?
Yes, you can submit scores from both tests if you've taken them. However, most students focus their preparation on one test and submit those scores. Ivy League schools don't require or expect both.
What if my ACT Science score is much lower than my other sections?
For schools that superscore, a weak Science score matters less if your other three sections are strong. Consider whether the new optional Science section (starting in 2025) might benefit your overall application strategy.
