Updated: Monday, March 24, 2025
Let’s face it, sometimes you don’t have the strongest section scores on the same test sitting for the ACT or SAT — maybe you had the strongest scores in the English and Reading sections on your first sitting and the highest score in the Math section on your second sitting. So, how do you know which test score to send to the schools on your college list?
Superscoring is used by many colleges to evaluate your best possible performance on the SAT or ACT. What is superscoring? It’s when admissions committees consider only the highest section scores across all SAT or ACT test dates that are submitted when evaluating applications.
If you have taken the ACT more than once and believe superscoring might help your chances of admission, keep reading for a list of some schools that practice this review process as well as more information on how it works.
Many students choose to take the ACT or SAT more than once, in the hopes of improving their test scores. While taking the exam a second or even third time may be beneficial, we generally advise not to retake the test more than that, as scores frequently plateau.
Superscoring policies may vary between various admissions offices, but generally the process involves adding up the highest scores for each subsection — Math, Reading, and English in the case of the ACT — for a new composite “superscore.” Other institutions look at the highest section scores separately while also considering the original composite score, so it’s important when determining how your scores will be evaluated at your top-choice schools to know how admissions officers look at them.
Admissions offices understand that a lot of different factors can influence an applicant’s test performance, from their anxiety levels to the quality of their sleep in the nights leading up to exam day. Consequently, superscoring can help account for these potential variances and showcase a test taker’s true abilities.
When searching for the superscore policy at every college on your list of best-fit schools, it’s important to clearly understand how your ACT scores will be reviewed. You can usually find this information in the admissions section of the school’s website. Don’t hesitate to contact the admissions office if you’re unclear on their policy.
Below is a list of some schools that offer superscoring for the ACT. In some cases, these institutions offer test-optional admissions, but we always recommend submitting your test scores if they are equal to or better than the scores submitted by admitted students. You can find this information in the school’s Common Data Set or the admitted class profile page on their website.
Since most of the Ivy League institutions have reinstated testing requirements for admission, it’s especially important to know if they superscore your results.
| School | Superscores ACT |
| Brown University | Yes |
| Columbia University | Yes |
| Cornell University | Yes |
| Dartmouth College | Yes |
| Harvard University | No |
| Princeton University | No |
| University of Pennsylvania | Yes |
| Yale University | Yes |
Students who are struggling to meet their testing goals shouldn’t shy away from asking for help. It’s not enough to know the content of the test — you must also learn strategies for taking the test.
Test prep tutoring can help you focus on test-taking strategies and areas of weakness so you can achieve the highest possible score. At IvyWise, our expert test prep tutors understand the ACT inside and out and will cater your sessions to your unique needs and learning style.
When preparing for the ACT or SAT it’s important to develop an effective test prep strategy. From selecting the right test to setting score goals and creating a testing timeline, a good test prep plan can make all the difference in students’ performance on the ACT or SAT. Here are some test prep tips to help students prepare for the SAT or ACT.
Every year, another group of students prepares for a fresh cycle of test prep, each with their own set of strengths and weaknesses. One of the most difficult (and time consuming) parts of the SAT and ACT is getting through the reading comprehension passages efficiently and effectively. I’m here to give you some tips on how to conquer the reading passages on the SAT and ACT.
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The math sections of the ACT and SAT can be a challenge for many students, especially those who tend to struggle in these subject areas. However, there is good news for students who are looking to improve their math scores on these standardized tests: by mastering a few easy concepts you can be well on your way to reaching your goal scores.
