SAT Superscore Explained
The SAT Superscore is a way of combining a student's scores from multiple test dates to give them their highest possible overall score. In this article, we will explain how the SAT Superscore works, how it differs from other score options, and how you can use it to optimize your college application package.
What is the SAT Superscore?
The SAT Superscore is the highest possible score that a student can achieve by combining the best scores from multiple SAT test dates. This means that if a student takes the SAT multiple times and gets a higher score on one section of the test on one date and a higher score on another section on a different date, their superscore would be the combination of those two scores. The College Board calculates a student's Superscore automatically, and it is typically used by colleges to evaluate a student's application.
How to superscore the SAT?
To superscore the SAT, you will need to take the SAT multiple times and achieve a higher score on at least one section of the test on each subsequent test date. The College Board will automatically combine your scores from different test dates to give you your highest possible superscore. This means that you do not need to do anything special to superscore the SAT – the College Board will do it for you.
SAT ScoreChoice vs SAT Superscore
SAT Score Choice and SAT superscoring are two different things, although they are related to how SAT scores are considered by colleges. SAT Score Choice is a service offered by the College Board that allows students to choose which SAT scores they want to send to colleges. This means that a student can take the SAT multiple times and choose which test date they want to use for each college they are applying to. This can be helpful for students who are not happy with their scores from a particular test date and want to make sure that only their best scores are being considered by colleges.
SAT superscoring, on the other hand, is a way of combining a student's scores from multiple test dates to give them their highest possible overall score. The College Board will automatically calculate a student's superscore based on their highest scores on each individual section of the test (SAT Math, SAT Reading, and SAT Writing), even if those scores were achieved on different test dates. This can be helpful for students who have taken the SAT multiple times and want to make sure that their best scores are being considered by colleges.
In summary, SAT Score Choice allows students to choose which scores they want to send to colleges, while the SAT Superscore combines a student's scores from multiple test dates to give them their highest possible overall score. These two services are not mutually exclusive – a student can use both SAT Score Choice and SAT superscoring to make sure that their best scores are being considered by colleges.
Which colleges superscore the SAT in the USA?
The vast majority of colleges in the USA accept the SAT Superscore. However, it is important to note that not all schools will consider your SAT Superscore when making admissions decisions. Although uncommon, some colleges may only consider your score from a single test date or require you to report all of your scores, so it is important to check with each college for their requirements.
Do Ivy League colleges accept SAT Superscores?
In general, most Ivy League colleges do accept SAT Superscores, which means that they will consider the highest score a student has achieved on each individual section of the test, even if those scores were achieved on different test dates. However, they may still require you to submit the complete set of scores from each test date while only taking into account the highest ones when assessing your application. It is always best to check with the individual college to confirm their admissions policies, as they may have specific requirements or guidelines for considering SAT scores.
What colleges in NYC superscore the SAT?
In general, most colleges in New York City will accept SAT Superscores, which means that they will consider the highest score a student has achieved on each individual section of the test, even if those scores were achieved on different test dates. However, it is always best to check with the individual college to confirm their admissions policies, as they may have specific requirements or guidelines for considering SAT scores. Some colleges in New York City that are known to accept SAT Superscores include Columbia University, New York University, and Barnard College.
SAT Superscore Calculator
There is no official SAT superscore calculator provided by the College Board. The College Board will automatically calculate a student's superscore based on their highest scores on each individual section of the test (math, reading, and writing), even if those scores were achieved on different test dates. This means that students do not need to use a separate calculator to determine their superscore – the College Board will handle it for them. However, if you want to determine your own superscore, you can use a regular calculator to add together your highest scores on each section of the test.
How to submit your SAT Superscore?
To submit your SAT Superscore, you will need to send your SAT scores to the colleges you are applying to. The College Board will automatically combine your scores from different test dates to give you your highest possible superscore, and this superscore will be included on your score report. When you request that your SAT scores be sent to a college, they will receive a score report that includes your highest scores on each individual section of the test, as well as your overall SAT Superscore. Alternatively, some colleges may still require you to submit a full set of scores from each test date, while only looking at the highest ones when evaluating your application.
Conclusion
If you’re hoping to get into top-tier colleges, the SAT Superscore might just give you an edge. It can be a powerful tool for demonstrating your academic strengths across multiple test dates, and it could help admissions officers see that you’ve improved over time. The SAT Superscore is also good news if you take the SAT more than once — most colleges accept multiple scores on their applications and use whichever one is higher.
