Score At The Top Blog

What is an ACT superscore?

A superscore is the selection of your best scores. For example, let's say you took the ACT three times and received the following scores:

1. English 27, Math 28, Reading 29, Science 25 = Composite 27
2. English 28, Math 31, Reading 28, Science 26 = Composite 28
3. English 27, Math 30, Reading 28, Science 30 = Composite 30

The colleges listed above would cherry pick your best scores for their super-score:

• English 28, Math 31, Reading 29, Science 30 = Composite 30

As you can see, the super-score is better than any one of the tests. The sum of the parts are greater than the whole! And, more good news, obtaining your super-score is easier than ever. Previously, you needed to self-calculate your super-score, then send score reports from each testing date to colleges super-scoring the ACT. Now, ACT provides its own super-score report. Curious what it looks like? Here’s a sneak peek:

You’ll notice that the recalculated composite super-score appears along with the individual section scores and dates from which it was generated. Included in your super-score report are all scores from the single test with the highest composite score, and the composite and section scores from the tests used to obtain your super-score. You’ll access your super-score report in the same way you’d find the results from any ACT by logging into your myactstudent.org account and accessing your scores. Remember that you’ll only see a superscore after you’ve taken the ACT two or more times.

While there are many schools out there that superscore the SAT, the list of schools that superscore the ACT is much smaller. To aid you in search for information, we have compiled a list (with the help of fellow consultants at IECA) of many of the schools that super-score the ACT. While the list does not cover every single college in the US, it is fairly comprehensive.

Want to learn about the Superscoring the SAT? Check out our blog post on Colleges That Do NOT Superscore the SAT

Topics: ACT, Test-Prep, Concordance, superscore

Parents and students often ask us: Is taking the SAT or ACT without studying okay? Isn’t it good practice for next time?

Our answer is always the same: No! Test day is not the time to show up blind. Even if you plan on taking the test numerous times and even if you feel confident in your testing ability, it’s just not worth the risk.

Topics: ACT, ACT/SAT, SAT

Sitting for an SAT or ACT amid nervous students, serious proctors, and loudly ticking clocks can unnerve even the steadiest student. Suddenly, your heart is beating out of your chest, your palms are sweating, and you have a strong inclination to jump up and run out of the room. But wait! You take a deep breath, thankful that in addition to all your studying, memorizing, and strategizing, you also took time to prepare yourself emotionally by arming yourself with valuable tools like the ones you’ll find in this article.

Many students wonder if they should prepare for the PSAT, which, by virtue of its name, is a “preliminary” or practice test. Certainly, if you are taking it in your freshman or sophomore year, the main goal is to get a feel for the test and an approximation of how you might perform on the SAT. These “baseline” scores can help you set your college admission goals and give you an indication of how much more you may need to prep for the SAT or ACT. In junior year, however, the PSAT/NMSQ holds more weight, because that score is the best predictor of your junior SAT score. In addition, your performance may qualify you for National Merit Scholarship recognition, can provide a scholarship for college and make you a standout on your college applications.

Topics: Test-Prep, PSAT

So, you’ve decided that the ACT is your test. You prefer its straightforward approach, and sense that you can handle the quicker pace, and the math and science knowledge it requires. Now it’s time to start prepping! You might want to begin by taking a look at our Ultimate Guide to Preparing for College Entrance Exams which gives several tips for getting the most out of your prepping.

Topics: ACT, ACT/SAT, Test-Prep, Tips

Now that you’ve decided to tackle and conquer the SAT as part of your college admissions game plan, it’s time to start preparing and practicing. You’ll find lots of great overall information and advice for preparing for standardized tests in our Ultimate Guide to Preparing for College Entrance Exams. For instance, you will want to create a consistent practice schedule, set realistic goals, and make sure to take plenty of official practice tests in test-like conditions that are timed and completed in one sitting.

Beyond that, you will want to focus on learning and practicing strategies specific to the SAT. While the SAT allows more time per section than the ACT, it is also known for being the more confusing test. With practice, however, you will gain familiarity with the test, learn to decipher the questions, and discover the methods that work best for you. Here are some of the best prep tips from our experts to help you get ready to take the SAT confidently and successfully.

Topics: Test-Prep, SAT

We get it. The mere mention of standardized tests might make you cringe and shudder. You’ve got enough to do with schoolwork and extracurricular activities – how will you find time to prepare for college entrance exams that may determine your future?

Take a deep breath, wipe the sweat off your brow, and let us reassure you that you can do it with a solid preparation plan – and successfully achieve your goals. While no two students are alike, you can find a path and process that will prepare you to do your best.

Topics: ACT, Test-Prep, PSAT, SAT

In the wake of a “year like no other,” the numbers are starting to trickle in and we’re learning more about how the widely implemented test-optional policies affected admissions. Already, the data bear out what we’ve been telling our students all along: it’s in your best interest to submit a competitive score in the optimal range of your top-choice school. Here are our top three reasons for this advice:

Topics: College Admission, ACT/SAT, Test Optional

For most high school juniors, spring semester is a busy season filled with events and exams. Often, students are beginning to make college plans that include scheduling the SAT and/or ACT, even in this “test-optional” era. The process of registering for one of these tests is easy enough: go to CollegeBoard.org or ACT.org, and click on the test registration link. Answer a few questions, ask for mom and dad’s credit card, and you’re all set. However, before you register for a test date, a few words of wisdom….

Topics: ACT, ACT/SAT, Test-Prep

The start of second semester means it’s time for you to create a plan that helps you maintain your best grades – and improve those mid-semester grades that were not stellar. The best way to start? Get organized! Here’s a checklist that’ll do two things for you: keep you going academically and ensure that you make the most of your extracurricular involvements. Because time is the one thing you don’t get more of, here’s your Plan to Achieve!

Topics: College Counseling