Hello, I'm quite stressed about my upcoming ACT tests. I read somewhere about superscoring and this could really help boost my cumulative score. But do most universities actually accept the ACT superscore system?
Sure, happy to clarify this for you. Superscoring is a policy some colleges use in which they consider a student’s highest section scores across all the dates the student took the ACT or the SAT. Instead of taking the highest total score from a single test date, these schools take your highest individual section scores, even if they were from different tests, and combine them to create your "superscore."
Now to your question about ACT superscoring: Not all colleges superscore the ACT, but many do. It tends to vary by individual institution. Some predominantly consider the composite score from one single test sitting, while others are more flexible and look at the highest section scores even if they are from different test dates to calculate a superscore.
Highly selective schools like Dartmouth, Duke, and MIT, for example, superscore the ACT, as do lesser-known schools like the University of Delaware and Colorado State. However, other selective schools such as the University of California colleges and the University of Wisconsin Madison do not superscore the ACT.
It's important to research the specific policy at each college you're interested in. It should be listed somewhere on their admissions website. If you can't find it there, it's perfectly fine to contact an admissions officer and ask. They're there to help prospective students navigate the admissions process.
While having a high ACT superscore can aid your application, also remember that colleges look at more than just standardized test scores when making admissions decisions. Keep focusing on maintaining strong academic performance and dedication in extracurriculars. Good luck with your upcoming tests!
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