What To Know About Superscoring On The SAT/ACT
So you've taken the SAT or ACT three times now, and you're not completely satisfied with any one of your results. You did great on the math section the first time but your reading score left something to be desired, and vice versa once you shifted your focus to reading as you prepared for the second test. Don’t worry, because there is a way you can still showcase your best numbers.
If you're planning to apply to college or are already in the process of doing so, you've probably heard the term "superscore" in relation to the SAT or ACT. But what exactly does this mean?
Let's start with the SAT. Both sections (Math and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing) are each worth 800 points, totaling to a Composite score of 1600. A student who took the SAT multiple times can take his or her best score from each section, or subscores, to create a new composite score.
For example, say a student earned a 1340 on the first test (650 in Math and 690 in Evidence-Based Reading and Writing) and a 1390 on the second test (640 in Math and 750 in Evidence-Based Reading and Writing). The student can use the 650 in Math and the 750 in Evidence-Based Reading and Writing to accumulate a new Composite score of 1400.
This is not to be confused with Score Choice, though. Unlike superscoring, Score Choice only allows you to send a certain date's scores to colleges. As for the student in the example above, he or she can either submit the 1340 or the 1390, but cannot choose to send specific subscores.
Both superscoring and Score Choice are optional, and it should be noted that not every school accepts these options. You can find out if your college does by checking their website.
Now let's talk about the ACT.
The ACT score is divided into four subscores: Math, Science, Reading, and English. The points for each section range from 1-36. The average of the four subscores (rounded to the closest whole number) determines a student's Composite score, which also ranges from 1-36.
To superscore a student's ACT, he or she can average the best subscore from each section to find the new Composite score. Let's say a student earned a 29 on the first test (30 in Math, 30 in Science, 26 in Reading, and 28 in English) and a 30 on the second test (33 in Math, 32 in Science, 27 in Reading, and 27 in English). The student can use the 33 in Math, 32 in Science, 27 in Reading, and 28 in English for a Composite score of 31.
Again, superscoring is optional and is not accepted by all schools. If you plan to take advantage of it, make sure you check your college’s website beforehand to make sure they’ll accept a superscored composite.
The takeaway is simple: superscoring can only benefit you. Just make sure that your prospective college accepts this method of score-reporting.
If you have yet to take the SAT or ACT, or decide to take it again, be sure to visit Revolution Tutors for more information and expert test prep support.