What is an SAT superscore?

During my SAT research, I've come across the term superscore. Can someone explain what an SAT superscore is and how it's used by colleges during the admissions process?

An SAT superscore is a method used by some colleges during the admissions process to create a composite score made up of a student's best scores across different test dates. The idea behind superscoring is to give applicants the opportunity to showcase their best performance in each section of the SAT, without penalizing them for any lower scores they may have had on another testing date.

To create a superscore, colleges take the highest Evidence-Based Reading and Writing score (from a single SAT test date) and the highest Math score (also from a single SAT test date) and combine them. The two best scores don't have to come from the same test date. For example, if a student took the SAT two times and got the following scores:

1st attempt:

- Reading & Writing: 700

- Math: 650

2nd attempt:

- Reading & Writing: 680

- Math: 700

The superscore would combine the best reading and writing score (700 from the 1st attempt) with the best math score (700 from the 2nd attempt) to create a superscore of 1,400.

Not all colleges use superscores during the admissions process, so it's essential to research each school's specific testing policies. Some schools will only consider your highest composite score from a single test date, while others will superscore the ACT as well as the SAT. You can typically find this information on the college's admissions website or by contacting their admissions office.

In general, superscoring is beneficial for students because it allows them to demonstrate their highest level of achievement in each section and may improve a student's application competitiveness. If you plan on taking the SAT multiple times, be sure to focus on raising your section scores to maximize the benefits of superscoring.