Published: April 25, 2023
Superscores are generated from multiple attempts and retakes of standardized tests (SAT or ACT).
SAT superscore = Your Highest Math Score + (Your Highest Evidence-Based Reading Score + Your Highest Writing Score).
ACT superscore = The Average of Your Highest Math, Science, English, and Reading Scores.
Colleges do not look poorly upon SAT or ACT retakes. In fact, 2 out of 3 students raise their scores when they retake the SAT or ACT and therefore strengthen their applications. Retakes also demonstrate perseverance and show a student’s growth.
Most colleges, but not all, consider your SAT and/or ACT superscores. Many schools (and the common application) will ask you to list the score and test date of your best individual test scores—for example, your best ACT English, best Math, best Reading, and best Science scores—and then calculate a “super composite” or Superscore based on these scores. Some colleges superscore across all your test dates, and some superscore across the test dates you choose to submit.
The benefit of superscoring is that your Superscore combines your best performances into one score. This reflects your highest achievements and allows you to put your best foot forward. Find out the policy for each school you apply to so that you can come up with the best application strategy.
Other scoring policies include:
- Single highest test date – this is a student’s single highest test score, regardless of whether it is a student’s most recent score.
- All scores required for review – This policy requires students to submit scores from every SAT test date they participated in.