You can check the website for each school you’re applying to, however some families just feel more comfortable sending official score reports to all schools. More and more colleges are allowing applicants to self-report test scores on their applications, and only require official scores after acceptance. If you are applying to a mix of schools that superscore and others that don’t, simply provide the scores for all dates that contribute to your superscore and highest composite, and each school will use the scores that meet their requirements and represent you most favorably. Bear in mind, if you send all test dates to a college that does not superscore, they will choose the sitting that puts you in the best light so it won’t hurt you to submit more than one test date as long as there are are no glaringly low section scores on a particular date. If a school does not superscore, send them your highest composite score test date. Published lists can be helpful in determining which schools superscore, but keep in mind that lists such as this one from PrepScholar may not reflect changes since they were published. Your best information source is to verify each school’s policy on their individual websites. To “superscore” the ACT means that a college will accept your highest section scores from different sittings of the test and will recalculate your composite score. The ACT is more complicated, since colleges’ policies about superscoring vary and are continually evolving, generally toward acceptance of superscoring. You may be able to send your superscore to colleges. Virtually all colleges superscore the SAT so if you took the SAT more than once and received higher section scores on different dates, report each relevant date and the college will focus on the highest score for each section. The first place to report scores is on the testing section of the Common Application (or whatever application you submit) where you will report your highest scores. If your ACT or SAT score falls within or above their average ranges, report your score!Ģ: Deciding which scores to report on your application If the college offers a test optional policy, determine the college’s middle 50% range (scores reported by students accepted last year who fall in the 25% to 75% range). Here are some tips:ġ: Decide whether you are submitting scores.Ĭheck the college’s website to determine if it is “ test optional.” If not, you are required to send your best ACT or SAT scores. If you want colleges to receive official score reports, you will need to have them sent officially by ACT or by College Board for the SAT and SAT Subject tests. Be prepared to send in either your ACT or SAT scores unless “test optional” is a good fit for you.įall of senior year is here and it is time to get into the nitty-gritty details of applying to colleges.