Superscore vs Score Choice: What's the Difference, and Which Applies?

As in-person testing returns to some normality and test centers have begun to offer more testing dates,   some students   may have several test scores for the SAT or ACT.    If you have taken the test more than once, but have scored differently on each occasion, how do you present this to the colleges you are applying to? Should you submit all or can you pick and choose which tests to submit? If you send in all your test scores, how will colleges assess them? Superscore vs score choice; what's the difference? And which applies?

For many colleges, SAT and ACT scores will be superscored if applicants decide to send in multiple tests. While superscoring of the ACT remains a  little less common practice than superscoring the SAT,  it's fairly applicable for both (see our list of 130+ top  colleges' score policies in the table below). 

Superscore means colleges will look at each test and combine the best scores from each section into one composite score which reviewers will then assess you on. Basically, it's presenting the best version of your test scores when combining them together. And not only is it beneficial to applicants, colleges also look good (and raise their ranking) if they can present the highest scores.

Let's take an example. If you receive the following scores on two separate test dates you will be assessed on your composite scores of 1500 (760+740) rather than your second composite score of 1480.

First SAT test score

Reading and writing: 620

Math: 740

Composite: 1360

Second SAT test score

Reading and writing: 760

Math: 720

Composite: 1480

Score Choice, on the other hand,  gives test takers complete control over what scores are submitted to colleges, allowing them to present their single best test score taken on one test date. For students who have done better on all sections on one test date, compared to another,  and want to be assured that only their best test scores are considered, they can select score choice.  Bear in mind that you can't choose to send your Math score from one test day and your Evidence-Based Reading and Writing score from another test day, rather you have to send your best test score from a single sitting.

Despite the benefits of this option, some colleges don't encourage it, recommending or in some rare cases requiring students to submit scores from all the times they have taken the test. 

While it has its benefits, taking the test too many times may not be viewed favourably by colleges.  Harvard for instance states on their website that taking it several times has diminishing returns. We suggest taking it 2-3 times, as students will often score better the second time taking it. However we don't suggest taking it more than this, it takes time and money to prepare and it can take away from other important activities including your school work and extracurriculars. 

If you are unsure what colleges score submission policy is, here is our table of 130+ colleges and their policies.

Do you still have questions about superscore vs score choice? If you would like to speak to an expert to develop your own personal testing and application strategy, contact us today for a complimentary conversation with the team.