Your ACT superscore is the average of your best English, best Math, and best Reading across sittings, rounded the usual way. Science does not enter the enhanced Composite, even if one date has a high Science score. Write the three highs down, average them, then check whether each college actually superscores.
The grid
Make three columns: English, Math, Reading. One row per test date. Circle the highest number in each column. Average those three circled scores and round to the nearest whole number (standard ACT rounding: .5 goes up).
Example: Date A is 30 / 26 / 32. Date B is 28 / 31 / 30. Circled highs are 30, 31, 32. Average 31.0 → superscore 31. The 26 Math on date A disappears if the college superscores.
What not to mix in
- Science, unless you are only describing a STEM score.
- Writing (2–12), which is never part of the Composite.
- A Digital SAT number. Convert for planning only: ACT to SAT conversion.
Legacy sittings vs enhanced sittings
A pre-2025 Composite averaged four sections. When you superscore yourself for a current application, still average only English, Math, and Reading. Do not blend an old four-section Composite with a new three-section one and call it official. Legacy vs enhanced.
After you have the number
If the superscore is the story you want colleges to see, send the dates that contain those section highs—or ACT's superscore report if the school accepts it. Which schools do: colleges that superscore. How that changes retakes: superscore retake strategy.
The bottom line
Circle the best English, Math, and Reading. Average those three. Then read the college's policy before you treat that number as the one they will use.
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.