Superscoring combines your highest section scores from multiple test dates into one composite score. Instead of colleges viewing each test as a separate sitting, they pull your best performance on each section, regardless of when you achieved it. This means a weak overall test day doesn't permanently damage your application if you perform better on individual sections in subsequent attempts.
How this works practically: If you score 650 Math and 700 Reading on your first SAT, then score 680 Math and 750 Reading on your second attempt, your superscore combines the 680 Math with the 750 Reading. Colleges using superscoring see only this optimized combination, not the lower individual scores from each test date.
The mechanics differ slightly between tests but serve the same purpose.
SAT superscoring: Combines your best Evidence-Based Reading and Writing score with your best Math score. Both sections contribute equally to your final superscore.
ACT superscoring: Starting in 2025, the ACT changed its superscore method. Currently, the best English, Math, and Reading scores combine into your composite. The Science section no longer factors into the official superscore calculation, though it remains on your report for STEM-specific programs.
Both tests exclude the writing section from superscoring calculations, even when that section was completed.
Colleges that employ superscoring see it as a student-friendly admissions approach aligned with holistic review. Research consistently shows that superscores actually predict college success better than single test dates, recent scores, or average composites. This isn't theoretical. Data demonstrates superscoring fairly applies across all student populations regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, family income, or parental education level.
For students, superscoring removes the penalty for test-day variables like illness, anxiety, or timing issues that affect single sections more than others.
Not all colleges superscore. This fact requires direct verification.
Your strategy depends entirely on which schools appear on your college list:
Check each college's admissions website for their specific score-use policy before testing. The difference between superscoring and non-superscoring schools fundamentally shapes whether additional test attempts make strategic sense for your applications.
Superscoring converts test retakes into genuine advantages. Each attempt provides new section scores that might exceed previous performances. A section where you struggled initially becomes irrelevant if you improve that section on a later date. This removes the pressure of achieving peak performance across all four sections simultaneously.
At LifeWorks, we don't just prepare students for tests, we prepare them for life. If you're looking for support in helping your child develop academic confidence and life skills, contact us to learn more about our comprehensive approach to student success.
What exactly is a superscore?
A superscore combines your highest section scores across multiple test dates. Instead of submitting one complete test, colleges see your best performance on each section, even if they came from different testing dates.
Do all colleges accept superscores?
No. Many colleges superscore, but not all. Always check your target college's admissions website for their specific score-use policy before registering for tests.
Does the writing section count toward my superscore?
No. The writing section never factors into SAT or ACT superscores, though some colleges still require it for admission requirements.
When is my superscore available?
Your superscore becomes available as soon as your second test is scored. Access it through your MyACT or College Board account immediately.
How do I send my superscore to colleges?
Log into your MyACT or College Board account, navigate to your scores dashboard, select the scores you want to send, and pay the submission fee by credit card. You control which scores colleges receive.
Should I take the test multiple times if my college superscores?
Yes, superscoring makes retakes strategically valuable. One additional attempt gives you two sets of section scores to draw from, and colleges will use only your highest sections across both dates.
