How Superscoring Works and Why It Matters for SAT and ACT Testing

If you’re planning to take the SAT or ACT—and especially if you plan to test more than once—you need to understand superscoring.
It can be one of the easiest ways to maximize your college application results without taking extra tests.

In this guide, we’ll explain:

• What superscoring is

• How colleges use it

• How to plan your testing strategy to benefit from it

What Is Superscoring?

Superscoring means that a college will combine your highest section scores from different test dates to create your highest possible composite score.

Rather than evaluating your best single test sitting, schools that superscore look at your best performance across multiple sittings.

Here’s an example for the SAT:

Superscore:

• Reading/Writing: 660 (March)

• Math: 690 (August)

• Composite: 1350

Even though you never actually earned a 1350 in a single sitting, your application will reflect your best section performances combined!

Do Colleges Superscore Both SAT and ACT?

Yes—many colleges superscore both the SAT and ACT.
However, policies vary, so it's important to check each college’s official admissions website.

Common patterns:

• Most selective schools (e.g., Ivy League, Stanford, MIT) superscore the SAT.

• Many public universities superscore SAT and/or ACT scores.

• Some schools superscore SAT but not ACT—always confirm.

👉 Tip: Use tools like each college’s Common Data Set (section C9) to verify their score policy.

How Superscoring Affects Your Testing Strategy

Knowing that superscoring is an option changes how you should approach your testing.

1. Focus on Sectional Improvements

You don't have to get a perfect score all at once.
You can focus prep efforts between sittings:

• Weak on math? Emphasize math before your second test.

• Struggled with reading? Focus verbal drills before retesting.

You only need to boost one section to potentially raise your overall application score.

2. Don't Stress About One "Bad" Section

If you underperform in one section on test day, it’s not a disaster.
Your next attempt might balance it out—and your superscore will showcase your best.

3. Plan for 2–3 Total Attempts

Because superscoring rewards sectional improvements, it often makes sense to take the SAT or ACT 2–3 times.
After three sittings, however, most students plateau—at that point, smarter prep (not more tests) is usually the key.

Key Things to Know About Superscoring

• You can send all scores to most superscoring colleges without fear—they’ll only pick the best.

• Some colleges allow Score Choice (selecting which dates to send), but others require all scores. Always check first!

• Colleges that superscore often report the superscored average in their admissions data—so it helps you stay competitive.

Final Thoughts: Use Superscoring to Your Advantage

Superscoring helps students present themselves in the best possible light—and gives you a clear reason to keep testing smartly, not endlessly.

At Frontier Tutoring, we help students design their SAT/ACT testing timeline to fully take advantage of superscoring.
We’ll help you figure out:

• When to retest

• What to focus on

• How to build a superscore-maximizing plan

👉 Start by taking a free full-length practice SAT or ACT
👉 Explore our SAT/ACT prep options to boost your superscore

Next Read:
👉 The Complete Guide to When (and How Often) to Take the SAT

Still wondering whether testing is worth it? Read our full guide on SAT/ACT relevance in 2025 →