What The Heck Is A Superscore?

Wed, Jan 31, 2024 11:30 AM

What is a student supposed to do if they aren’t happy with their ACT/SAT score?

I encourage students to take the test at least 3 times, and even more often than that if they are hoping to reach their highest score to help position themselves to get into a highly selective college. After each test, have your student focus on doing additional prep on their weaker content areas.

Why, because some colleges (like Miami University in Oxford, Ohio known as a public Ivy) offer students the ability to submit their superscore from the ACT/SAT tests. This score is calculated by grabbing the highest score in each individual section from each of the tests taken and dividing it by the total number of sections (ex. ACT has 4 sections). Students benefit when they can increase their score in each section of the test which in turn could increase not only their single composite score but also their superscore. If your student’s college allows the use of a superscore for admissions or scholarship consideration, then go for it.

To determine if a college accepts superscores, go to their website, then the admissions section, and look at their ACT/SAT test score use policy. And remember, it is possible the most competitive college scholarships will only allow students to submit their single highest composite ACT/SAT test score – not a superscore. Be sure your son or daughter does their research and knows this upfront, so they don’t get a nasty surprise in the future when they apply for much needed scholarships.

It is also important to check to see if a college requires an ACT/SAT for admissions as well in this day and age of many colleges still being “Test Optional.” For example, if your student is applying to MIT, Carnegie Mellon, Purdue, Georgia Tech or any of the Florida Public Universities – test scores are required.

Want to learn more tips and strategies? Schedule a FREE 15-minute Discovery Zoom Meeting with me today where I can assess what your college-specific needs are and dive deeper into how I can help your student successfully cross the finish line.