How to Calculate ACT Superscore: 2026 Step-by-Step Guide

Superscoring means averaging your highest section scores from all the ACT tests you’ve taken to create a new, higher composite score. Unlike a standard ACT composite (which comes from one test sitting), a superscore is a “super” composite that showcases your best performances in each subject across multiple test dates. 

Students and parents are asking about superscores because it can highlight a student’s peak abilities on the ACT, potentially strengthening college applications and scholarship opportunities. 

With many colleges now considering superscores, it’s important to understand how this works and how to use it to your advantage.

What is an ACT superscore?

An ACT Superscore combines your highest English, Math, and Reading scores from multiple eligible ACT test dates into one Composite score.

For example, your highest English score might come from one test date, your highest Math score from another, and your highest Reading score from a third. ACT uses those three highest section scores to calculate your Superscore Composite.

Science is not included in the current Superscore Composite. If you take Science, your Science score is still reported and contributes to your STEM score. The optional Writing test is also reported separately and does not contribute to the Superscore Composite. ACT‍

Why it matters

Superscoring allows colleges that use ACT Superscores to consider your strongest section performances across multiple test dates rather than relying only on the Composite from one sitting.

Important 2026 update

The current ACT Superscore calculation uses English + Math + Reading. ACT implemented this calculation for enhanced online testing in April 2025 and for all ACT testing beginning in September 2025. Scores from eligible legacy and enhanced ACT administrations can still be combined when calculating a Superscore.
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How to calculate your ACT superscore

Step 1: Collect Your ACT Scores

Gather your section scores from every ACT test date you have taken. You can use eligible scores from different test administrations when identifying your highest English, Math, and Reading scores.

Step 2: Find Your Highest English Score

Look across all your score reports and identify your highest English score.

Step 3: Find Your Highest Math and Reading Scores

Repeat the process for Math and Reading. Your three highest section scores do not have to come from the same test date.

Step 4: Add Your Three Highest Scores and Divide by 3

Use:

ACT Superscore = (Highest English + Highest Math + Highest Reading) ÷ 3

Then:

Round the result to the nearest whole number. Fractions below 0.5 round down, while fractions of 0.5 or higher round up.

Next, see how this works when your highest section scores come from different test dates.‍

For example: 

• Test 1: English 30, Math 28, Reading 31
• Test 2: English 33, Math 30, Reading 29
• Test 3: English 31, Math 34, Reading 32

The student's Superscore would use English 33, Math 34, and Reading 32:

(33 + 34 + 32) ÷ 3 = 33

The point is to identify which section can still improve and use subsequent preparation to raise that individual score.
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ACT Superscore Example: Combining Scores From Two Test Dates

Suppose a student takes the ACT twice:

The student's highest English score is 34, highest Math score is 32, and highest Reading score is 33.

Superscore = (34 + 32 + 33) ÷ 3

= 99 ÷ 3

= 33

The student's ACT Superscore is therefore 33.

Notice that the three scores came from two different test dates. Science is not included in this calculation because it is not part of the current ACT Superscore Composite.
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The difference between the ACT composite score and the superscore

It’s easy to confuse a standard ACT composite score with a superscore, so let’s explain the difference. 

Your ACT Composite is calculated from your English, Math, and Reading scores from a single test administration. Science is reported separately and does not contribute to the current Composite.

Your Superscore uses the highest eligible English, Math, and Reading scores across multiple ACT test dates. The three scores can come from different administrations. ACT

Also read: ACT scoring chart and Composite score calculator
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Do all colleges accept ACT superscores?

No. Colleges set their own testing policies, and those policies can change. Some colleges calculate or accept ACT Superscores, while others may consider scores differently.

It is also important to distinguish Superscore policy from score-submission policy. A college can accept or calculate an ACT Superscore while also asking applicants to submit scores from multiple test dates or all test dates.

Before submitting ACT scores, check the college's current admissions website for both its ACT Superscore policy and its score-submission requirements.
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Can a College Superscore the ACT and Still Require All Scores?

Yes. Superscoring and score submission are separate policies.

A college can use your highest English, Math, and Reading scores across multiple ACT test dates to calculate a Superscore while also requiring or encouraging applicants to submit scores from multiple or all test dates.

For example, Caltech currently says applicants should submit all official sittings and that it will create a Superscore using the highest scores from each section. Vanderbilt also superscores the ACT and encourages students who submit testing to submit all of their scores. Caltech Admissions

Before deciding which ACT scores to submit, check both the college's Superscore policy and its score-submission policy.

What if a college doesn’t superscore?

If a college doesn’t superscore, it means they will only consider the composite score from a single test date. In this section, we’ll explore some alternatives and strategies for navigating this scenario.

1. They usually consider your best composite score.

If a school doesn’t superscore, they’ll likely use the single test date where you got your best composite score. This still means retaking the ACT can help you, not for superscoring, but for submitting a stronger all-in-one score.

Some schools also allow “Score Choice.” That means you can choose which test date scores to send. If you're stronger in Math and applying to a STEM program, send the date with your best Math score. Even without superscoring, strategy matters.

2. Watch out for “send all scores” policies.

Some colleges require that you send all your ACT test scores. That means they’ll see every test you’ve taken, even if some scores were lower. This can matter if you take the test many times and show big inconsistencies.

Check each school’s score reporting policy. 

What do colleges look for in a superscore report?

When you send an official ACT Superscore, the report includes your Superscore Composite based on your highest English, Math, and Reading scores. ACT also reports the highest section scores, including Science and Writing if you completed those sections, along with the relevant test-event information.

This means a Superscore does not simply erase your testing history. The exact information a college uses depends on its own score-submission and testing policy.

Which Are the Colleges That Superscore the ACT?

College testing policies can change. Always confirm the current ACT policy directly with the college before submitting scores.
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Benefits of ACT Superscoring

ACT superscoring offers several advantages, allowing students to showcase their best section scores across multiple test dates and potentially improve their overall score.

1. Your strongest section scores can be combined

A Superscore can produce a Composite that is higher than any single-test Composite when your strongest section scores come from different test dates. Whether that score is used in admissions or scholarship decisions depends on the institution's policy.

2. Less test anxiety

Knowing that your best section scores will count reduces pressure on test day. If one section goes badly, your better score from another test can make up for it. 

An ACT study found a strong negative link (r = –0.30) between self-reported test anxiety and ability, driven largely by feeling unprepared rather than innate bias.

3. Focus on progress, not perfection

You can improve one section at a time. A great Math score from one test and strong English from another will both count. Superscoring allows students to build on improvements made across different test dates.

Research comparing scoring methods for nearly 1 million students showed superscores predict timely degree completion as well as—or better than—using students’ most recent (r ≈ 0.41) or average composite (r ≈ 0.39) scores.

4. Fair and accurate

ACT research shows superscores better predict college success than single test scores. A 2019 ACT white paper compared four score-use policies across thousands of retesters and found that superscoring produced the smallest prediction error for first-year GPA, outperforming “most recent,” “highest,” and “average” composites. Follow-up analyses showed superscoring did not widen subgroup performance gaps—in fact, it slightly narrowed them. ACT reported that superscoring did not widen subgroup performance gaps in its analyses. 

5. Potentially meet score thresholds

Some scholarships and merit programs use ACT scores as part of their eligibility criteria. If a program accepts ACT Superscores, combining your highest eligible section scores may help you meet its published threshold. Always check the scholarship provider's current score policy rather than assuming it uses the ACT Superscore.

For instance, Air Force ROTC scholarships start at a 26 composite, state “eminent” grants at 29, and top university fellowships at 33. By pooling your best section marks into a superscore, you boost the chance of clearing multiple cutoff bars, making you eligible for a broader range of merit-based funding.
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How to strategically plan for superscoring 

If you plan to use superscoring to your advantage, you’ll need a smart testing strategy along with familiarizing yourself with the Digital ACT Format. Here are some tips on how to plan your ACT attempts and preparation:

1. Take the ACT more than once

There is no fixed number of ACT attempts that works for every student. Use previous score reports to determine whether another test date is likely to add useful improvement, and balance additional testing against preparation time, cost, and application deadlines.

2. Space out your test dates

Leave enough time between exams to analyze your results, target weak areas, and prepare effectively. The ideal gap depends on your starting score, preparation needs, school schedule, and application deadlines.

For example, one r/ACT user spaced sittings in February, June, and September, using each score report to target their weakest section. Their per-test section highs looked like this:

• Test 1 (Feb): Math 23, English 24, Reading 25, Science 22 (composite 24)
• Test 2 (Jun): Math 26, English 27, Reading 28, Science 24 (composite 26)
• Test 3 (Sep): Math 28, English 29, Reading 30, Science 26 (composite 28)

3. Tackle one section at a time

Research shows superscores (r = 0.41) predict first-year GPA more accurately than averaging all composites (r = 0.39), underscoring the value of section-specific gains.

Example:

• Test 1: Math 33, English 35, Reading 35
• Test 2: Math 30, English 30, Reading 30
• Test 3: Math 35, English 20, Reading 20

By superscoring their best eligible section scores, they would use Math 35, English 35, and Reading 35:

(35 + 35 + 35) ÷ 3 = 35

4. Practice with diagnostics

Take full-length ACT practice tests. Review your section scores after each one. Note the question types or topics where you struggle. Use those insights to guide your prep. Use online platforms like EdisonOS for a detailed and accurate Enhanced ACT guide.

5. Be smart about sending scores

Some colleges let you choose which test dates to send. If a college accepts ACT Superscores, check whether it asks applicants to submit all test dates, multiple test dates, or only the scores they choose to report. Follow that institution's current policy rather than assuming that Superscoring determines which scores you should send.

If a college doesn’t superscore, send the highest composite score. Keep track of all your scores so you can make quick decisions during application season.

6. Don’t forget about costs

Each ACT attempt costs money. But fee waivers are available for eligible students. 

ACT lets you send up to 20 score reports free with a waiver. Don’t let cost stop you from improving your score. Ask your school counselor about fee waivers if you need one.

Common Misconceptions About ACT Superscoring

Myth #1. "Superscoring is cheating or inflating my scores."

Superscoring doesn’t alter or create new results; it simply highlights your top performances.

Research conducted by ACT found that using superscores predicts first-year college GPA more accurately than relying on a single-date composite, the most recent composite, or the average of all composites

The same studies show superscoring does not advantage or disadvantage any demographic group. Differences in performance between genders, ethnicities, and income levels remain consistent whether you use single-date scores or superscores.

After empirically evaluating various score-use policies, ACT formally endorses superscoring for admissions decisions, confirming its validity and fairness.

By combining your best section scores, superscoring doesn’t inflate your abilities—it simply presents the most accurate reflection of your strengths. 

Myth #2. "All colleges superscore, so I don't need to check."

Many colleges superscore the ACT, but not all institutions do. You can’t assume blanket superscoring across the board.

The list of schools that superscore is growing, yet it isn’t exhaustive. For example, over 200 schools reported “superscoring across all sittings” to The Princeton Review, but dozens more may have different policies or may change theirs without notice.

Some colleges still consider only your highest composite from a single test date or require submission of all scores—so a one-size-fits-all assumption can backfire.

How to confirm a college’s superscore policy:

1. Visit the institution’s official admissions website.
2. Locate the “Testing Requirements” or “Admissions FAQs” section.
3. Search for keywords like “superscore,” “score choice,” or “highest section scores.”
4. If the policy isn’t clear, email or call the admissions office directly.

Why verifying matters

• Sending only your highest composite to a non-superscoring school could omit stronger section scores that would benefit you.
• Conversely, over-sending reports to a superscoring college without needing to could rack up unnecessary fees.
• Knowing each school’s exact policy lets you tailor which scores to send, maximizing your application strategy.

Myth #3. "Colleges won’t see my other scores if I superscore."

A Superscore does not automatically mean that other test dates disappear from the admissions process.

ACT's Superscore report includes your highest English, Math, and Reading scores, as well as relevant score information from the test events contributing to those highest section scores. Science and Writing can also appear if you completed those sections. 

More importantly, colleges have their own score-submission policies. Some may ask applicants to submit all test dates, while others allow applicants to choose which scores to report. Always check the institution's current policy.

Myth #4. "I should take the ACT as many times as possible."

There is no universal number of ACT attempts that guarantees a better Superscore. ACT allows students to take the test multiple times, but each additional attempt should have a clear purpose.

Use your previous score reports to identify the section with the most room for improvement, prepare specifically for that area, and consider your testing costs and application deadlines before registering again.

Myth #5. "I can relax on other sections during retakes."

Superscoring lets colleges combine your highest eligible section scores, but that does not mean every ACT administration allows you to retake only one section. Section retesting availability depends on the applicable ACT program and test date. Check the current ACT registration and testing rules before planning a section-specific retake.
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How EdisonOS can help you boost your ACT score

Planning for superscoring takes the right tools. EdisonOS makes it easier to track, practice, and improve one section at a time.

1. Assessment Tools

Build Your Own Tests (BYOT)

Create targeted ACT assessments to evaluate specific sections, skills, and question types.

Bulk Upload

Upload large sets of ACT questions into your question library for faster assessment creation.

2. Study & Practice

Tutor Mode

Review student responses and use assessment results to guide targeted instruction.

Digital Test-Taking Tools

Give students a digital ACT practice environment with tools such as approved calculators, highlighting, flagging, zoom, and timers to build familiarity with the testing experience.

3. Reporting & Analytics

Detailed Reports

Track student performance across sections and skills to see where improvement is needed.

Question-Level Analytics

Review individual answers, accuracy, time spent, and question performance to identify specific areas for targeted practice.
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Make ACT superscoring work for your students

Superscoring gives students a way to combine their strongest English, Math, and Reading performances across eligible ACT test dates. For tutors and tutoring firms, that creates a useful framework for tracking section-level progress, identifying the next target, and planning preparation around each student's score history.

The goal is not simply to take the ACT repeatedly. It is to understand which sections are improving, where additional preparation is needed, and whether another test date makes sense for the student's application timeline.

Remember that ACT scores are only one part of a college application. Students should also consider their academic record, application requirements, and each college's current testing and score-submission policies.

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