Updated: Tuesday, October 01, 2024
Here are the Colleges that Superscore the ACT
Superscoring is the practice of considering only the highest section scores across all SAT or ACT test scores that are submitted when evaluating applications. Many schools already superscore for the SAT, but superscoring for the ACT has not always been widely practiced.
If you have taken the ACT more than once and believe that superscoring might help your chances of admission, keep reading for a list of some of the schools that practice this review process as well as more information on how it works.
The Basics
Many students choose to take the ACT or SAT more than once, in the hopes of improving their test scores. While taking the exam a second or even third time may be beneficial, generally, it’s not advisable to continue taking the test for a fourth attempt as scores frequently plateau.
While superscoring policies may vary between various admissions offices, generally the process involves adding up the highest scores for each subsection (Math, Science, Reading, and English) for a new composite “superscore.” Other institutions have looked at the highest section scores separately while also considering the original composite score, so it’s important when determining how your scores will be evaluated at your top-choice schools to know how admissions officers look at them.
Because superscoring policies with the ACT at colleges and universities across the US have not been as consistent as they are with the SAT, the ACT plans to launch a tool later this year that will allow students to send schools official ACT superscores from their ACT account. With this scoring option, the “ACT will supply [colleges] at least one full composite score with each superscore, plus all the scores from the test events that are part of the superscore composite.” This will also support the ACT’s future plan to offer separate section retesting for students who just want to retake only one or two sections of the test in order to improve their section score.
Admissions offices understand that there are a lot of different factors that can influence an applicant’s test performance, from their anxiety levels to the quality of their sleep in the nights leading up to exam day. Consequently, superscoring can help account for these potential variances and showcase a test taker’s true abilities.
A Focus on the ACT
Many colleges have practiced superscoring when reviewing SAT scores for years. More recently, an influx of colleges have begun applying the same practice when reviewing ACT scores, particularly as the exam has become more popular over the past five years – with the number of students taking the ACT surpassing those that take the SAT.
Students who are hoping to superscore their ACT must review the policies associated with each school on their list of best-fit options. While some universities add up an applicant’s best score within each subsection, others may review original ACT composite scores and subscores when making decisions.
Colleges and universities that superscore ACT exams
Below is a list of some of the schools that offer superscoring for the ACT:
When searching for the superscore policy at every college on your list of best-fit schools, make sure you clearly understand how your ACT scores will be reviewed. Don’t be afraid to contact the admissions office if you’re unclear.
Similarly, students who are struggling to meet their testing goals shouldn’t shy away from asking for help. If you are looking for personalized guidance, our team of expert tutors can help you reach your goals.
Early Decision and Early Action notifications are right around the corner, and many students have already received their admissions decisions. With so many more students applying to college this year, unfortunately, there isn’t a spot for everyone. But remember, it isn’t the end of the world if you were not accepted early!
These Are a Few of Our Favorite Things…
At IvyWise, we love helping students discover the schools that will be a great academic and social fit for them, where they will be happy and successful. That said, when given the chance, we never hesitate to give a shout out to our own alma maters and share what made that school a great match for us. Previously, members of our team told tales of Turkey Trotting at Lehigh, classes in the Commons at Emerson, and following in the footsteps of strong women at Barnard. This week, the newest member of the IvyWise team, our Executive Assistant Ashley, tells us about her experiences at American University in Washington, DC:
If Vanderbilt University, also known as Vandy, is one of your top-choice schools, you may be wondering how to craft your admissions essay to help you stand out. Vanderbilt is incredibly selective, so they look for students who demonstrate what they can contribute to the diverse campus community academically and otherwise. Your response to these essays contributes to the holistic review of your application, so it’s important to put a lot of thought into them.
When preparing for the ACT or SAT it’s important to develop an effective test prep strategy. From selecting the right test to setting score goals and creating a testing timeline, a good test prep plan can make all the difference in students’ performance on the ACT or SAT. Here are some test prep tips to help students prepare for the SAT or ACT.
