College policies vary. Superscoring, score choice and official-report requirements can differ by institution and may change. Always check each college’s admissions website before applying.

A superscore combines a student’s best section scores even when those scores come from different test dates.

SAT superscoreThe strongest verbal/Reading and Writing section result is combined with the strongest Math section result.

ACT superscoreThe strongest English, Math and Reading section scores from different test dates are averaged into the ACT Superscore Composite. Science and Writing are reported separately when taken.

Who performs the superscoring?

Students may self-report all dates of tests taken and best scores from each module or section on the Common App, but each college applies its own superscoring and verification rules and in most cases requires official score reports.

Check current college policies

For a detailed college-by-college reference, use Compass Education Group’s guide to SAT and ACT superscoring and score-choice policies.

View the Compass policy guide

What about writing tests?

The SAT essay is no longer part of the standard SAT. ACT Writing remains an optional 40-minute essay, and its usefulness depends on school, district and college requirements.

Check before registering

Review the requirements of the colleges under consideration before adding an optional writing section or deciding which scores to send.

What Is a Superscore?