Superscoring: What you need to know!

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Is your teen currently preparing for the SAT or ACT and wondering how colleges will consider all their scores? They are not alone! One question we are often asked by both parents and students is about superscoring.

Superscoring is the process in which colleges will only consider a student’s highest section scores from each SAT or ACT test they’ve taken.

Let’s illustrate superscoring with this example: On Jennifer’s first SAT, she scored 650 on the critical reading section and 550 on the math section. On her second SAT, she scored 610 on reading and 590 on math. A college that superscores will only look at Jennifer’s two highest section scores from both test dates, which would be her 650 reading score and 590 math score.  Although her composite score for both sittings was 1200, her superscore is now 1240. As you can see, superscoring can benefit students who have taken the SAT or ACT several times, as only their highest section scores will be considered in the admissions process.

Superscoring can also offer an advantage for test preparation by targeting more time and attention on a specific area of weakness. In Jennifer’s case, she may decide to focus her studying for the second SAT mostly on her weaker section (math), since she already scored well on her reading section the first time around.

Remember that only some colleges utilize superscoring, and colleges have very different test score policies. Check their website or call admissions directly for clarification. You can also google a list of colleges that superscore the SAT or ACT. Most colleges only consider a student’s highest score from a single test date, and some elite colleges even require all test scores from all dates. The good news is that more and more schools are becoming “test-flexible” and embracing superscoring each year. Therefore, it is important for students to fully understand the test score policy at each college to which they are applying and prepare accordingly.

Got questions?

We have answers! Contact us today at contact@testprepsbuffalo.com or call Melissa Cook at (716) 574-7349.

 Sources:

https://www.princetonreview.com/college-advice/sat-act-superscore

https://blog.ivywise.com/blog-0/bid/123416/College-Admissions-Score-Choice-Test-Optional

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