For students preparing for college admissions, understanding how colleges evaluate ACT scores is essential. Many institutions have different policies regarding score submission, which can impact how students plan and approach their ACT attempts. While some colleges consider only the highest composite score from a single test date, others follow a superscoring policy, which allows them to take the highest section scores from multiple test dates to calculate a new composite score.
Knowing these policies is crucial for optimizing test performance and ensuring that the best possible scores are submitted. Students who understand superscoring and other score submission policies can make informed decisions about how many times to take the ACT and which scores to send to colleges.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of:
- ACT Superscoring and how it works
- The different ACT score policies used by colleges
- Which colleges superscore the ACT and which do not
By understanding these policies, students can develop an effective test-taking strategy and maximize their chances of admission.
What is ACT Superscoring?
ACT Superscoring is a method used by certain colleges to evaluate an applicant’s highest possible ACT performance. Instead of considering only one complete test attempt, colleges that superscore take the highest section scores from multiple test administrations and average them to create a new composite score.
For example, if a student took the ACT twice and received the following scores:
| Test Date | English | Math | Reading | Science | Composite Score |
| Test 1 | 28 | 26 | 30 | 27 | 28 |
| Test 2 | 27 | 29 | 28 | 30 | 29 |
A college that superscores would take the highest section scores from both test dates:
- English: 28 (from Test 1)
- Math: 29 (from Test 2)
- Reading: 30 (from Test 1)
- Science: 30 (from Test 2)
The ACT Superscore is then calculated as the average of these highest section scores:
(28 + 29 + 30 + 30) ÷ 4 = 29
This policy benefits students who may have performed exceptionally well in certain sections on different test dates, as it allows them to showcase their best overall performance.
Additionally, as of April 2021, ACT has introduced an official Superscore Report, which enables students to send their superscores directly to colleges that accept this policy. This simplifies the process and ensures that colleges receive the highest possible scores for consideration.
ACT Score Policies
Colleges differ in how they evaluate and accept ACT scores. Understanding these policies is essential when deciding how many times to take the test and which scores to submit. The most common ACT score policies include:
1. Superscoring (Highest Section Scores Across Test Dates)
Colleges that superscore take the highest individual section scores from multiple test dates and use them to create a new composite score. This approach allows students to improve their overall score by focusing on different sections in separate test attempts.
- Best for students who plan to take the ACT multiple times.
- Requires strategic planning to maximize performance in individual sections.
- Colleges that superscore may still require students to submit all test attempts for transparency.
2. Highest Composite Score from a Single Test Date
Some colleges do not superscore and instead consider only the highest composite score from a single test administration.
- Students must aim to achieve their best possible score in one sitting.
- Retaking the ACT may still be beneficial, but only the highest overall score will be considered.
3. All Scores Required
Certain institutions require applicants to submit scores from every ACT attempt. These colleges believe that evaluating all test scores provides a more complete view of a student’s academic ability.
- Students must be prepared to send all test results, regardless of performance.
- Retaking the ACT should be planned carefully to avoid significant score fluctuations.
4. Score Choice (Student-Selected Scores)
Some colleges allow students to decide which ACT scores to send. This policy, known as Score Choice, gives applicants the flexibility to submit only their best overall scores.
- Students can choose to send only their highest composite score or preferred test attempts.
- This policy helps students avoid sending lower scores that may not reflect their best performance.
- Applicants should verify whether their selected schools accept Score Choice.
Each college sets its own policy regarding ACT scores. Some may superscore, while others may only consider the highest single test attempt or require all scores. Before applying, students should carefully review the ACT score policies of their target colleges to develop an effective testing strategy.
Which Colleges Superscore the ACT?
To help students navigate ACT score policies, we have compiled a comprehensive list of colleges that superscore the ACT. This list includes each institution’s official standardized testing policy and a direct link to its admissions page for further details.
Understanding superscoring policies is essential for students planning their ACT strategy. Since colleges frequently update their admission requirements, it is always recommended to verify a school’s current policy directly on its official website or by reaching out to the admissions office.
Important Considerations:
- Superscoring Does Not Mean Testing is Required:
While many colleges on this list superscore the ACT, it does not necessarily mean they require standardized test scores for admission. Some institutions have implemented test-optional policies, meaning students can choose whether to submit their ACT scores. If you decide to submit your scores, superscoring can be an advantage in presenting your strongest possible results.
- Changes in Policies:
College admission policies are subject to change, especially with ongoing discussions about standardized testing in admissions. Some schools that currently superscore may adjust their policies in the future, while others may adopt superscoring for the first time. Always verify the latest information through official admissions websites.
- Schools with Unclear or Unavailable Policies:
If a school’s superscoring policy is not explicitly stated on its website, we have noted it as “Contact school for information.” In such cases, while external sources confirm that the school may superscore, it is best to reach out directly to the admissions office for clarification.
By understanding these policies, students can strategically plan their ACT attempts and score submissions, ensuring they maximize their potential for college admission.
| School | Official ACT Superscoring Policy | Website |
| Albion College | Contact school for information | Albion Admissions |
| Amherst College | For applicants who have taken the SAT and/or the ACT more than once, we will consider the highest score achieved in each section. For official score reporting, applicants are free to use the SAT Score Choice option and the ACT option. | Amherst Admissions |
| Auburn University at Montgomery | Send all your scores for each SAT or ACT you’ve taken to AUM and we will take the best score from each section to average your superscore. | AUM Admissions |
| Austin College | Austin College accepts both the ACT or SAT and as a policy we “super score.” (We will take your highest subscores from different test dates and combine them to make a highest “super score.” We feel what is important is that we see your highest potential in each sub-section, not just how you scored overall during one test session.) | Austin College Admissions |
| Babson College | For students who have taken either the SAT or ACT more than once, Babson will superscore (use the best individual section scores) in reviewing their application. | Babson Admissions |
| Baylor University | Contact school for information | Baylor Admissions |
| Bates | The submission of standardized tests is optional for all students applying to Bates. Bates College does “superscore” both the SAT and ACT. | Bates Admissions |
| Beloit College | Beloit is test-optional for both admission and consideration for merit scholarships. If you feel that your test scores reflect well on your abilities and would like us to consider them, please send them. We will consider your highest subscores from multiple test dates. | Beloit Admissions |
| Bowdoin | Test optional. If you do submit, though, Bowdoin superscores the ACT. The admissions committee will consider the highest submitted Composite score and subsection scores, and will also recalculate a new Composite score from subsection scores earned on different test dates. | Bowdoin Admissions |
| Brandeis | Brandeis has a test-optional policy and no longer requires domestic applicants to submit SAT or ACT scores for the purpose of admission. If you do decide to submit scores, the admissions committee will superscore your results. | Brandeis Admissions |
| Bryn Mawr College | SAT and ACT scores are optional for US citizens and permanent residents. But, Bryn Mawr accepts both SAT and ACT standardized test scores. Bryn Mawr is interested in your best achievement, so we consider the highest section scores submitted, irrespective of the test date. | Bryn Mawr Admissions |
| Butler | Test optional. Butler reviews the highest subscores for each test and uses your new high test score for an admission decision. Writing test scores are not required. | Butler Admissions |
| Claremont McKenna College | “CMC will continue to superscore the ACT or SAT. This means we will accept the highest scores from each section of the ACT or SAT, regardless of the test date. We do not superscore across test types.” | Claremont McKenna Admissions |
| Colby | Contact school for information | Colby Admissions |
| Colorado College | You could choose to report the SAT Reasoning Test (SAT) or the ACT if you believe that these scores are the most accurate indicators of your academic performance and potential. If you select “Flexible Testing,” we will select from the scores in our records the combination of test scores that is most advantageous to you. | Colorado College Admissions |
| Columbia University | If you take an exam more than once, you will be evaluated on the highest score you received in any individual section. | Columbia Admissions |
| Connecticut College | Test optional. We “superscore” the SAT Reasoning Test and use the combined highest composite score from the ACT. | Conn College Admissions |
| Cornell | Currently test optional. Otherwise, contact school for information. | Cornell Admissions |
| Davidson College | Test optional. Davidson superscores both the ACT and SAT. | Davidson Admissions |
| Denison | Test optional. Contact school for information | Denison Admissions |
| DePauw University | Contact school for information | DePauw Admissions |
| Dickinson College | Dickinson’s long-standing test-optional policy provides you with a choice regarding the submission of standardized test scores. (Note: through fall 2023 Dickinson is test-free. This means that even if you choose to submit test scores they will not be considered by the admissions committee.) | Dickinson Admissions |
| Drexel | Drexel is test optional and test flexible. For those submitting ACT scores, Drexel will consider the highest section scores across each testing date. | Drexel Admissions |
| Duke | Students must submit at least one full set of scores from a single test date (if not choosing the test optional admissions track) but may also submit scores from subsections taken individually on different test dates. Duke will consider the highest scores on each section, regardless of the test date, and will create a new composite score by averaging those scores. We do not require the optional essay. | Duke Admissions |
| Duquesne University | We super score all tests, which means we take the highest of all components of each test and recalculate the highest possible score for you. | Duquesne Admissions |
| Eckerd College | Eckerd will combine scores to create your best possible composite score. We accept either the ACT or the SAT and use the test on which you scored higher. | Eckerd Admissions |
| Elon University | Contact school for information | Elon Admissions |
| Georgia Tech | We super score within the same test, using your highest section scores from any test date. Each time you submit new scores to us, we will update your record with your highest scores. We evaluate all your sub-section scores, not just the sum or composite. | Georgia Tech Admissions |
| Grinnell College | We consider your best superscored ACT composite scores. The essay component is optional. | Grinnell Admissions |
| Hamilton College | Hamilton will accept official or self-reported scores with a student’s application for admission, and will superscore the SAT or ACT (meaning that if multiple tests are submitted we will consider the highest individual subsection scores). | Hamilton Admissions |
| Harvey Mudd | Contact school for information | Harvey Mudd Admissions |
| Haverford College | Contact school for information | Haverford Admissions |
| Hawai’i Pacific University | Contact school for information | Hawai’i Pacific Admissions |
| Hendrix College | Hendrix utilizes a method called “super scoring” in which sub-scores from multiple tests are combined to form the highest composite score. | Hendrix Admissions |
| Hollins University | Contact school for information | Hollins Admissions |
| Indiana University Bloomington | We superscore, which means that if you choose to have test scores considered as part of your application review, we’ll consider your best test scores. For the ACT, we’ll combine the highest scores for each subtest from different exams for a new ACT composite. | IU Bloomington Admissions |
| Ithaca College | Contact school for information | Ithaca College Admissions |
| Johns Hopkins | We also consider your highest combined score for the ACT. We’ll find the maximum value of each official section score submitted, then recalculate the composite score. | Johns Hopkins Admissions |
| Kalamazoo College | Contact school for information | Kalamazoo Admissions |
| Kenyon College | Please note that Kenyon “super-scores” all results. This means that we will automatically compute a new composite score for both the SAT and ACT, if you’ve taken either test more than once. | Kenyon Admissions |
| Kettering University | Contact school for information | Kettering Admissions |
| Lafayette College | Contact school for information | Lafayette Admissions |
| Lawrence University | Test optional. Contact school for more information. | Lawrence Admissions |
| Lehigh University | Contact school for information | Lehigh Admissions |
| Liberty University | We will accept your superscore. If you took the ACT or SAT more than one time, we will look at your highest individual test scores and calculate a new, super composite score from across your test dates. | Liberty Admissions |
| Loyola University Maryland | If you send us scores from multiple test dates, we’ll take your highest score for each section of the ACT or SAT and consider those scores as we evaluate your application. | Loyola Admissions |
| Miami University | Miami superscores, using the highest test scores submitted for admission and scholarship consideration. For ACT, the highest scores for each subtest from different exams will determine a combined highest composite score. | Miami University Admissions |
| Middlebury College | Middlebury will “super score” standardized test results—we will accept the highest score from each section of the SAT or ACT, regardless of sitting, and sum the best scores across sittings of the same test. | Middlebury Admissions |
| MIT | If you take the same test multiple times, we will consider the highest score achieved in each section. | MIT Admissions |
| NYU | If you’ve taken the ACT more than once, we will recalculate a new composite using the highest of each section, regardless of test date. | NYU Admissions |
| Northeastern | For the ACT, we will average together your highest English, Math, Reading, and Science sections, from across multiple test dates, to create a new overall Composite score. | Northeastern Admissions |
| North Carolina State University | If you choose to submit your test scores, you should self-report them on your application. We encourage you to submit all scores, and we will consider your highest sub-score from each section across your test dates to create a super-score. | NC State Admissions |
| Olin College | We take your best score from each test and disregard the others. | Olin Admissions |
| Pitzer | Test optional. Contact school for information. Note: for three years starting in the fall of 2022 Pitzer will be test-free. This means that test scores will not be considered for admission. | Pitzer Admissions |
| Pomona College | We will consider your highest section scores on the SAT by superscoring; we will also superscore ACT section scores. | Pomona Admissions |
| Purdue | We will always use the best available score for admission decisions and scholarship consideration and will not penalize you if earlier scores were lower. | Purdue Admissions |
| Regis | Test optional. Contact school for information. | Regis Admissions |
| Rhode Island School of Design | For students who choose to submit test scores, RISD will superscore your results, looking at your highest outcome across multiple test dates. | RISD Admissions |
| Rochester Institute of Technology | Contact school for information | RIT Admissions |
| Roger Williams | Test optional. RWU will take your highest score from each section of the SAT regardless of the exam date. If you submit both an SAT and an ACT score, we will use the composite score that is in your best interest per the official concordance data. | Roger Williams Admissions |
| Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology | Contact school for information | Rose-Hulman Admissions |
| Saint Mary’s College | Contact school for information | Saint Mary’s Admissions |
| Seattle University | If you choose to report your scores, Seattle University employs the highest sub-scores on the ACT when making admission, scholarship, and class placement decisions. | Seattle Admissions |
| Seton Hall University | Seton Hall super scores the ACT. | Seton Hall Admissions |
| Spring Hill College | Contact school for information | Spring Hill Admissions |
| Stanford | For the ACT, we will review all subscores and will focus on the highest Composite from all sittings. | Stanford Admissions |
| Syracuse | Contact school for information | Syracuse Admissions |
| Texas Christian University | If you submit scores from more than one sitting of the ACT, we will consider your highest section scores across multiple sittings or test dates (“Super-Score”). We will consider your highest English, Math, Reading, and Science scores even if you earn them on separate test dates for the ACT. | TCU Admissions |
| Towson University | Contact school for information | Towson Admissions |
| Trinity College | Test optional. If you decide to submit standardized test scores, Trinity will accept the highest scores on all tests (they need not be from the same exam date). | Trinity College Admissions |
| Trinity University | Test optional. Trinity University will super score standardized test scores by taking the best subtest score and creating a new composite score regardless of test date. | Trinity U Admissions |
| Tufts University | When taken multiple times, we will use your highest sub-score for each section. For the ACT, we review the highest subscores and calculate a superscore ACT Composite. | Tufts Admissions |
| University of Alabama | UA will superscore for admission purposes. We will not superscore for automatic, merit-based scholarships. | University of Alabama Admissions |
| University of Arkansas | Contact school for information | U Arkansas Admissions |
| University of Chicago | Test optional. We will superscore both the SAT and the ACT, meaning that if you have taken either test more than once, you should submit all your scores, and we will add your highest subsection scores together to give you the highest possible combined score. | U Chicago Admissions |
| University of Colorado—Boulder | Your highest scores are used in the admission decision. If you take the same test more than once, we combine your scores on each subsection to give you the highest overall score. | U Colorado Admissions |
| University of Connecticut | We will combine the highest scores from each subsection of an exam to create the best overall score (within the same exam formats) for exams taken more than once. | U Conn Admissions |
| University of Dayton | Contact school for information | U Dayton Admissions |
| University of Delaware | Contact school for information | U Delaware Admissions |
| University of Denver | If you’ve taken either test more than once, we’ll combine the best scores from the individual sections of each test to create an ideal “superscore.” | U Denver Admissions |
| University of Georgia | UGA superscores the SAT and ACT. For the ACT, this means that we take the highest individual score of each of the four subsections of the test from all ACT tests you’ve taken and use that to calculate the highest composite. When we report ACT test score information, we utilize the composite, but when reviewing your file for admission purposes we only focus on the ACT English and Math. | U Georgia Admissions |
| University of Maryland | We use the highest subscores from the SAT and ACT in our review of your application. | U Maryland Admissions |
| University of Mary Washington | Test optional. Contact school for information. | U Mary Washington Admissions |
| UMass Amherst | For those who choose to submit test scores, we will continue to consider your best combination of scores from all of your tests. | U Mass Admissions |
| University of Miami | We will use the highest composite score from among each test that you’ve taken. This is called super scoring. There is no limit to the number of test scores you may submit to us for your application. | University of Miami Admissions |
| University of North Alabama | We consider a student’s highest ACT section (or subtest) scores regardless of test date. The super composite ACT score is calculated as the average of the best ACT English, Reading, Math and Science subject scores. | University of North Alabama Admissions |
| University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | If you share scores from both the SAT and ACT, we will use the higher of the two and ignore the other. If you share scores from multiple administrations of either test, we will use the highest score you earn on each section or subject of the test and ignore the others. | UNC Admissions |
| University of North Texas | Contact school for information | UNT Admissions |
| University of Pennsylvania | For the ACT, we consider the highest individual English, Math, Reading, and Science scores across test sittings. | UPenn Admissions |
| University of Pittsburgh | We will take your highest ACT composite score and your highest SAT superscore. | U Pitt Admissions |
| University of Puget Sound | Test optional. Contact school for information. | Puget Sound Admissions |
| University of Rhode Island | We “superscore” your ACT results … using the English, math, reading and science sections. | Rhode Island Admissions |
| University of Rochester | Test optional. Only your highest SAT or ACT sub-scores will be considered in our final decision, even if they are from different test dates. | U Rochester Admissions |
| University of South Florida | The University of South Florida considers your highest submitted section scores across all SAT and ACT test dates. Final admission decisions will be made using only your highest cumulative scores. Each time you submit test scores to USF, we will update your record with any new high scores. | USF Admissions |
| University of Tampa | Contact school for information | U Tampa Admissions |
| University of Tennessee | We use the superscoring method, meaning we take your highest section scores of each test taken to determine your new composite score for application review. | U Tennessee Admissions |
| University of Vermont | Contact school for information | U Vermont Admissions |
| University of Virginia | For the ACT, we look at the best composite score and the best subscores, regardless of whether those subscores are from the administration where the best composite was earned. | UVA Admissions |
| University of Washington | Test optional. Superscoring refers to the practice of taking a student’s best section scores across all exam sittings to combine for the best overall score. The UW does superscore. | UW Admissions |
| Vanderbilt University | Vanderbilt will superscore both the SAT and the ACT. | Vanderbilt Admissions |
| Valparaiso University | We evaluate the ACT or SAT according to your “superscore,” which is a composition of your best subscores regardless of test date. Be sure to send in all your test scores for consideration. | Valparaiso Admissions |
| Vassar College | Vassar will accept self-reported SAT and ACT scores; we superscore, which means we will look at your highest section scores if you’ve taken a test more than once. | Vassar Admissions |
| Villanova University | The Admission Committee will superscore the highest subscores from the SAT and/or ACT from multiple test dates. | Villanova Admissions |
| Virginia Commonwealth University | Contact school for information | VCU Admissions |
| Virginia Tech | Contact school for information | Virginia Tech Admissions |
| Wake Forest University | Test optional. Contact school for information. | Wake Forest Admissions |
| Washington and Lee University | We “super score” the SAT and ACT, which means we combine your best scores from multiple test sittings to produce your highest SAT or ACT score. | W & L Admissions |
| Washington University in St. Louis | For the ACT, Washington University considers your highest section scores across all the test dates that you submit. Each time you submit scores, we will update your record with any new high scores (so-called “Super Scores”). | WUSTL Admissions |
| Wesleyan University | Test optional. We will recalculate a new composite ACT score from subsections taken on different dates. | Wesleyan Admissions |
| Western Michigan University | Test optional. Applicants who do wish test scores to be used in the admission process should report/submit scores from all test dates. Doing so will allow WMU to use your highest subscores from any test date to superscore your total (SAT) or composite (ACT) score. | WMU Admissions |
| West Point (US Military Academy) | Contact school for information | West Point Admissions |
| West Virginia University | WVU combines the highest sub-scores from different test dates to create a “super score” total or composite for admissions and scholarship consideration eligibility. | WVU Admissions |
| Wheaton College | Test optional. Contact school for information. | Wheaton Admissions |
| Williams College | Williams superscores the SAT and ACT. This means that if you submit multiple test scores, we’ll consider your highest score when reviewing your application. | Williams Admissions |
| Xavier University | Contact school for information | Xavier Admissions |
Tips for Applying to Colleges That Superscore the ACT
If a college considers your ACT superscore, you should take advantage of this policy by strategically planning your test-taking approach. Instead of aiming for a high composite score in a single attempt, focus on improving specific sections across multiple test dates to build the strongest possible superscore.
To effectively implement this strategy, it is advisable to begin taking the ACT early. This will allow sufficient time for multiple attempts, ensuring you can maximize each section score. However, keep in mind that some colleges require applicants to submit all ACT scores from every test date. Significant variations in section scores may raise concerns, so it is essential to give your best effort on every test you take.
By following a structured study plan and focusing on gradual score improvements, you can develop a competitive superscore that strengthens your college application. In addition to strong test performance, researching individual college policies and preparing thoroughly for each test date will contribute to a well-rounded and compelling application.
What’s Next?
Now that you understand ACT superscoring and how it can benefit your college applications, the next step is to maximize your ACT score. A strong score can significantly enhance your application, increasing your chances of admission to top colleges. To achieve this, focused preparation is essential.
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