What Is Superscoring?

Superscoring is a policy in which a college takes the highest section scores from all of the times you sat a standardized test, such as the SAT or ACT, and combines them to produce a new, higher composite score. It benefits students who take the test more than once, since strong performance in one section on one date can be paired with strong performance in another section on a different date.

An example

Suppose you take the SAT twice. On the first sitting you score 650 in reading and writing and 700 in math. On the second, you score 680 in reading and writing and 680 in math. A superscore takes the 680 and 700 together to make 1380, higher than either single total of 1350 and 1360.

Which colleges superscore

Many colleges superscore the SAT, and a growing number superscore the ACT, either by recalculating the composite from the best section scores or by looking at the best sub-scores. Some consider only the highest single sitting, and a few require all scores to be submitted. Policies change, so check the admissions website or the Common Data Set of each college.

Some colleges superscore for admissions but not for scholarships, or the reverse, so check each use.

How to use it

• Plan retakes around your weaker section, since improving one area can raise the superscore.
• Check score-sending policies. Some programs let you choose which scores to send, and others require all.
• Consider test-optional policies, since many colleges allow you to apply without scores.
• Balance the time and cost of retakes with other parts of your application.

Cautions

Do not assume that every college superscores. Do not rely on retakes to compensate for a weak record. Admissions officers consider scores in context, and most colleges view an extended number of attempts neutrally, though it varies.

Related terms

See test-optional admissions, test-blind admissions, holistic admissions, Common Data Set and regular decision.