The SAT is an important standardized test for college admissions in the United States. When submitting SAT scores to colleges, students can select which scores to send and whether to use a superscore. This article will explore SAT score selection and superscore, including choosing what test scores to use for a superscore.
SAT Score Selection
Students can select which scores to send when submitting SAT scores to colleges. There are two options for score selection:
Score Choice
Score Choice allows students to choose which scores to send to colleges. With Score Choice, students can select test dates and scores to send to colleges. This means that if students take the SAT multiple times, they can choose only to send their highest scores to colleges.
All Scores
All Scores requires students to send all SAT scores to colleges. Colleges will receive all test dates and scores with All Scores, including the student’s lowest scores. This means colleges will see all of their scores if a student takes the SAT multiple times.
Superscore
Superscore combines a student’s highest scores from multiple SAT dates to create a new composite score. With Superscore, colleges will combine the highest section scores from different test dates to create a new composite score. If a student takes the SAT multiple times, colleges will use the highest section scores from each test date to create a Superscore.
For example, let’s say a student takes the SAT three times and scores as follows:
- Test 1: English 680, Math 650, Total 1330
- Test 2: English 650, Math 700, Total 1350
- Test 3: English 710, Math 660, Total 1370
If a college uses Superscore, they will take the highest section scores from each test date and create a new composite score:
- English: 710 (from Test 3)
- Math: 700 (from Test 2)
The Superscore for this student would be 1410 (710 + 700). This is 40 points higher than the student’s highest score of 1370.
Process of Selecting Scores for Superscore
To select which test scores to use for a Superscore, students should check with the colleges they are interested in to see if they use Superscore. If a college uses Superscore, they typically state it on their website or admissions materials. Students can also contact the college’s admissions office to ask if they use Superscore.
Once students know which colleges use Superscore, they can select which scores to use. Choosing scores for Superscore involves identifying the highest section scores from each test date and combining them to create a new composite score.
To select scores for Superscore, students should follow these steps:
- Identify which test dates to use. Students should identify which SAT dates they want to use for Superscore. This typically involves selecting the test dates with the highest section scores.
- Identify the highest section scores. For each test date, students should identify the most elevated section scores (Reading, Writing, and Math). These scores will be used to create the Superscore.
- Combine the highest section scores. Once the highest section scores have been identified for each test date, they can be combined to create the Superscore. The Superscore is calculated by adding the highest section scores from each test date.
- Submit scores to colleges. Once the Superscore has been calculated, students can submit their scores to colleges. Students should check with each college to see if they require all scores or use Score Choice.
Final Thoughts
SAT score selection and Superscore are essential considerations for students preparing for college admissions. By understanding the options for score selection and Superscore, students can make informed decisions about which scores to send to colleges. Remember to check with each college to see if they use Superscore and to follow the process for selecting scores for Superscore. With careful planning and preparation, students can improve their chances of success in the college admissions process.
