The ACT Superscore, explained.
Your Superscore takes your best section scores across multiple ACT test dates and combines them into one number — the score that puts your strongest foot forward for college admissions.
ACT Superscoring Explained
What is an ACT Superscore?
The ACT Superscore is the average of a student's best scores from each section across multiple ACT test attempts.
Take three sections from three different test dates — your best English from attempt one, your best math from attempt two, your best reading from attempt three — and we average them into a single Composite.
English
32
Apr 2024
Math
28
Sep 2024
Reading
30
Apr 2025
Superscore Composite
30
Step-By-Step
How Can You Superscore ACT?
Getting your ACT superscore is automatic. No extra forms or request is needed. Once you've taken the ACT more than once, ACT combines your best section scores into a single Superscore composite.
01
Take the ACT twice
You're eligible for a Superscore the moment you've taken the ACT more than once (Sept 2016 onward).
02
Scoring completes
Your Superscore appears as soon as scoring wraps on your second test — no waiting, no extra request.
03
Sign in to MyACT
Your Superscore lives in your MyACT account dashboard alongside your individual scores.
04
Send to colleges
Request reports right from your scores dashboard and pay by credit card. Done.
Who is Eligible for a Superscore?
If you’ve taken the ACT more than once since September 2016, you’re eligible to superscore. Every test is another chance to raise your score and stand out.
Take the ACT again to improve your top section scores or check your account to see your Superscore.
Benefits
Why Does Superscoring Matter?
Your Superscore combines your best performances into one score that best reflects your abilities. The higher your ACT score, the more competitive you are for admissions and merit-based scholarships.
Show your best work
One Composite that represents your peak performance across every section, not just one test day.
More scholarship dollars
A higher score makes you more competitive for merit-based aid at hundreds of colleges.
Stronger admissions edge
Schools that superscore see it as student-friendly and aligned with holistic review.
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| Best English Score | Best Math Score | Best Reading Score | Best Science Score | Your Superscore | |
Find Your Superscore
How Do You Calculate Your ACT Superscore?
01
Gather Every Score Report
Pull together the reports from all of your ACT test dates — legacy and enhanced administrations both count.
02
Line the Scores Up In a Table
Fill out a table with your test dates and corresponding scores from all your ACT tests so you can easily compare subject scores.
03
Circle Your Best Score in Each Subject
Identify your best score in each subject by circling the highest number in each column.
04
Average Your Best Scores
Legacy ACT: add English, math, reading and science, divide by 4. Enhanced ACT: add English, math and reading, divide by 3. Round to the nearest whole number.
Trusted, Fair, Backed By Research
Can Superscores be Trusted?
#1
Best predictor of college success
Research shows ACT Superscores predict college success better than recent ACT score, average Composite, or highest Composite.
100%
Fair across student populations
Superscoring is fair across gender, race/ethnicity, income, and parental education, and it doesn’t disadvantage any group.
2x
Free tests for fee-waiver students
Students eligible for the fee waiver program get registration covered for two ACT tests, which means they can earn a free Superscore too.
College Admissions
What Colleges Take ACT Superscore?
Not every college superscores the ACT, but the number that do is growing.
When you send an ACT Superscore, score recipients receive the following:
- The Superscore Composite. This is the Composite score calculated from your best English, math, and reading section scores, across all test attempts.
- The highest section scores, including science and writing if you complete those sections.
- STEM and ELA Superscores calculated with the highest math and science, and English, reading, and writing section scores (if you complete the required sections)
- The full set of scores from each test event in which you earned each highest section score
- The full set of scores from the test event in which you earned your highest Composite score
That means even if a school doesn't use superscoring, it can still review the scores included in your report.
Always check the test score policy on each school's admissions website.
Do writing and science count?
The optional writing and science tests aren't part of the Superscore Composite, but they are still included in what is sent when you send your scores or your superscores, if you take them.
How do students send their Superscore to colleges?
Request Superscore reports directly from your MyACT scores dashboard. Pay by credit card.
What You Need to Know
What Changed About ACT Superscore Calculations in 2025?
The Superscore Composite now includes only English, Math, and Reading. Science is no longer part of the Composite calculation.
Before vs. Now
Before 2025, the Superscore Composite could include all four sections. Now, it’s based on just three: English, Math, and Reading.
You’ll still see your highest score for each section and the test date.
What About Science?
Science is still used, just differently.
It’s now combined with Math to calculate your STEM score, not your Superscore Composite.
Using Scores from Different Tests
Your Superscore is calculated using your highest individual scores, no matter when you earned them.
Get Started
Ready to Boost Your Score?
Use your Superscore to highlight your top performance and strengthen your college applications.