A superscore is the average of your highest individual section scores across all of your ACT test dates, instead of the scores from any single sitting. So if you nailed Math on one test and Reading on another, a superscore lets each of those bests count together. ACT calculates it automatically once you have tested more than once, and many colleges are happy to use it.
A quick example
Say you take the ACT twice and your section scores look like this:
- First test: English 30, Math 26, Reading 28
- Second test: English 28, Math 31, Reading 29
Your superscore takes the best of each section: English 30, Math 31, Reading 29. The average is 30, so your superscore Composite is 30, even though neither single test produced a 30 on its own. That is the whole appeal: every retest is a fresh shot at raising one or two sections without putting your existing bests at risk.
How ACT handles it for you
If you have tested more than once since September 2016, ACT automatically creates a superscore from your highest section scores. You do not have to calculate anything yourself. When you send scores, you can usually choose to send your superscore or the full report from one specific test date. We cover that choice in ACT score choice and which test dates to send.
The catch: not every college superscores
This is the part that trips students up. Superscoring is an admissions policy set by each college, not a guarantee. Schools generally fall into a few camps:
- They superscore: they take your best sections across dates, sometimes recalculating it on their end.
- They use your highest single Composite: they pick your best whole test, but do not mix sections.
- They want all scores: a smaller number ask you to send every test date.
Because policies differ and can change, check each college's official admissions or testing-requirements page rather than assuming. When you are unsure, sending your superscore plus the relevant test dates is usually a safe bet.
Why superscoring shapes your retake plan
If your target colleges superscore, you can prep strategically: focus each retake on the one or two sections holding your average down, instead of trying to peak everything at once. That is often less stressful and more effective. Our guide on how many times you should take the ACT helps you decide whether another sitting is worth it, and what is a good ACT score helps you set the target you are aiming for.
The bottom line
Superscoring rewards steady, section-by-section improvement, which is exactly how most students raise their scores anyway. Find out whether your colleges accept it, then let it take some of the pressure off each individual test day.
Start practicing
Start with a free diagnostic, then drill your weak spots with 15-question quizzes and track how you're doing across Reading, English, and Math. Compare plans whenever you're ready to go further.
This article offers general ACT prep guidance. The ACT can change from year to year, including its format, scoring, policies, test dates, and fees, so always confirm the latest details on the official ACT website at act.org before you make decisions. ACT® is a registered trademark of ACT, Inc. thirty-six is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by ACT.