When it comes to applying to colleges, you might wonder how superscoring works and what it means for your ACT scores. What if you’ve taken the ACT Exam a few times and your scores vary? Will colleges only focus on your highest scores or look at all your attempts? And how do you even send a superscore to colleges that accept it, especially since ACT, Inc. only started offering this option in 2020? In this article, we’ll clear up the confusion around ACT superscoring, explaining how it works, how to calculate your superscore, and how it impacts your college applications. We’ve got all the details to help you navigate the process confidently!

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Did You Know Facts About ACT Superscore?

1️⃣ ACT Exam Duration: The ACT takes 2 hours and 55 minutes, but with the optional Writing section, it’s 3 hours and 35 minutes! ⏱️

2️⃣ Average ACT Score: The average composite score for 2024 is 19.4, so don’t stress—set your goals high and aim to beat that! 🎯

3️⃣ Superscoring is a Game-Changer: If you’ve taken the ACT multiple times, you can combine your best section scores for the highest possible score! 🚀

4️⃣ ACT Test-Takers: Nearly 1.37 million students took the ACT in 2024, making it one of the most popular college entrance exams! 📈

5️⃣ Sending Your Superscore: Colleges that superscore will consider your highest section scores from any test date—easy peasy! 🎉

What is an ACT Superscore?

So, here’s the deal with ACT superscoring: some colleges let you combine your best section scores from multiple ACT test dates. Instead of just looking at one test's overall ACT score, schools that use superscoring will take your best English, Math, Reading, and Science scores from different times you’ve taken the test and combine them to give you a new, higher composite score! 🎉 This is awesome because it means you can show off your best performance across each section, no matter how you did on a specific test day. If you’ve taken the ACT more than once, superscoring gives you a chance to highlight your strengths and present your best overall score. 🔥

Want to see your superscore? Just create or sign in to your MyACT account, and as soon as your second test’s scores are ready, you’ll see your superscore pop up there! Easy, right? 🙌

Also, keep in mind that the Writing section score doesn't count towards your composite score, so it won’t be included in your superscore either. But don’t forget, some colleges do require you to take the Writing section, so make sure to check if it's a must for your schools. ✍️

How to Calculate ACT Superscore?

Want to know how to calculate your ACT superscore? It's pretty simple, but it’s all about picking out your best section scores from multiple test dates to create your highest possible composite score! Here’s how you can do it:

1. Take the ACT multiple times: The more times you take the ACT, the better chance you have to boost your scores in different sections. So, don’t be afraid to retake the test and try for a higher score in each section! 🎯
2. Compare your best scores: After taking the ACT a few times, go over your scores and pull out your best results from each section—English, Math, Reading, and Science—from all your test dates. 🔍
3. Calculate your superscore: Now, just add up your top scores from each section and then divide the total by 4. That gives you your superscore—the highest composite score possible based on your best sections. 📊

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How to Calculate Your ACT Superscore: An Example

To compute an ACT superscore, take the best scores in each section-they may be from any test date-English, Math, Reading, and Science. Take the total of all these high scores and average this out over four for your new composite score. That way, you get to show how best you did at each of the sections under consideration rather than basing your score on one test date.

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How Do Students Send Their ACT Superscore to Colleges?

So, you’ve got your awesome superscore, but how do you get it to the colleges you're applying to? Don’t worry, it’s actually a super easy process! Here’s a step-by-step guide to make sure your superscore is sent the right way to your dream schools:

Step 1: Sign In to Your MyACT Account

First things first—create or sign in to your MyACT account if you haven’t already. This is where you can view your superscore after your second ACT test results are in.

Step 2: Check Your Superscore

Once you’re logged in, head to the “Scores” section. You’ll see your superscore pop up as soon as ACT finishes scoring your second test. If you've taken the ACT multiple times, it’ll show the best scores from each section across all test dates, giving you that shiny superscore.

Step 3: Select Colleges to Send Scores To

Now that you've got your superscore, it's time to send it to colleges. Go to the “Send Scores” section in your MyACT account. You'll have the option to choose which schools you want your scores sent to.

Step 4: Choose Which Scores to Send

You can choose to send all of your test scores, or just the superscore. Some schools prefer superscores because it shows your best performance, so definitely check the specific requirements of the colleges you're applying to.

Step 5: Confirm and Pay

Once you’ve selected the schools, confirm your choice, and pay the score-sending fee. Make sure you double-check the colleges to ensure you’re sending it to the right places. 💸

Step 6: Sit Back and Relax

After that, your superscore will be sent off to the colleges you’ve chosen, and you can relax knowing that you’ve sent your best scores! 🎉

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Can ACT Superscores be Trusted?

When it comes to superscoring, many students wonder if it’s really a fair and reliable way to showcase their best abilities. The truth is, superscoring can work in your favor, but it does come with some myths and doubts that we need to clear up. Let's dive in!

1️⃣ Increases Chances of Admission 🎯
Superscoring helps you stand out by combining your best section scores from different test dates, boosting your composite score and making you shine in competitive college apps! 🌟

2️⃣ Provides Several Chances to Shine 💪
You don’t have to stress about one bad test day—superscoring lets you retake the ACT and focus on improving weak areas without worrying about dragging down your overall score! 🎉

3️⃣ Reflects Your True Academic Potential 📚
Superscoring gives a clearer picture of your abilities by taking the best scores across multiple attempts, so if you were stressed on test day, it won’t mess up your chances! 🙌

ACT Superscore Myths and Doubts:

There are a few myths about superscoring that need some clarification:

Myth #1: If my college doesn’t superscore, I’m at a disadvantage.
Not really! Some colleges don’t consider superscores, and that’s okay. These schools typically evaluate all your test scores holistically, so they won’t treat you unfairly if you’ve only taken the test once. However, if your dream school does superscore, then it’s important to take advantage of that! 🎓

Myth #2: Colleges will still look at all my scores even if superscoring is available.
It’s understandable to worry about this, but the research shows that schools that use superscoring are looking at the best possible result from each section, and they won’t focus on any lower scores you’ve submitted. This means if you’ve taken the test a few times, don’t stress about older, lower scores being noticed. You get to show them your best self! 📖

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Is ACT Superscoring Fair to All Students? 💬

Yes, superscoring is fair to all students, regardless of factors like gender, race/ethnicity, family income, or parental education level. Research has shown that superscoring doesn’t change the test performance differences between student groups, meaning it doesn't put any group at a disadvantage. Plus, if you're eligible for the ACT fee waiver program, you can take the ACT twice for free, which means you can also get a free superscore! 

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Why Should You Care About ACT Superscoring?

In short, superscoring can be your ticket to a better ACT score without the pressure of acing everything on the first try. It helps you show off your best performance across sections, and colleges that use superscores understand that test-taking can be stressful! So, keep calm, retake the test if you need to, and let superscoring work in your favor. 😊

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Colleges That Superscore the ACT

Not all colleges allow the reporting of ACT superscores; therefore, it is necessary to research the schools you are applying to and their policies. Colleges which allow super scores generally prefer the method as it paints a more accurate picture of the student's abilities. Some of the established institutions include:

Conclusion

So, to sum it all up: ACT superscoring is a great tool for students who want to showcase their best skills. It allows you to combine your highest section scores from multiple test dates, so if you didn’t do so hot on one day, no worries! You get a second chance to shine. Colleges that superscore love it because it gives them a clearer picture of your strengths. Just remember, not all schools superscore, so it’s important to check each school’s policy before sending in your scores. And when you’re ready to send your superscore, the process is super easy through your MyACT account! So take a deep breath, do your best, and let superscoring work in your favor. Good luck! 😊