ACT Superscore Calculator
Enter your scores from multiple ACT test dates to find your highest possible composite score, known as your ACT Superscore.
Test Date 1
Score (1-36)
Score (1-36)
Score (1-36)
Score (1-36)
Test Date 2
Score (1-36)
Score (1-36)
Score (1-36)
Score (1-36)
Test Date 3 (Optional)
Score (1-36)
Score (1-36)
Score (1-36)
Score (1-36)
This score is calculated by taking your best section scores across all test dates.
Chart of Your Best Section Scores
What is an ACT Superscore?
An ACT Superscore is a composite score created by combining your highest section scores from all your ACT attempts. Instead of relying on the scores from a single test date, colleges that “superscore” will look at your entire testing history and pick the best score you achieved for English, Math, Reading, and Science, regardless of the test date. They then recalculate a new, often higher, composite score based on these top section scores. This is highly beneficial for students who may have performed unevenly across different test dates. For example, if you scored high in Math on your first attempt and high in English on your second, a superscore combines these peak performances. Our superscore calculator for act does this automatically for you.
ACT Superscore Formula and Explanation
The calculation for the ACT superscore is straightforward. It is the average of the highest scores achieved in each of the four sections (English, Math, Reading, and Science) across all test dates. The sum of these four best scores is divided by four, and the result is rounded to the nearest whole number.
The formula is:
Superscore = Round ( (Highest English + Highest Math + Highest Reading + Highest Science) / 4 )
| Variable | Meaning | Unit | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Highest English | Your best score in the English section from any test date. | Points | 1 – 36 |
| Highest Math | Your best score in the Math section from any test date. | Points | 1 – 36 |
| Highest Reading | Your best score in the Reading section from any test date. | Points | 1 – 36 |
| Highest Science | Your best score in the Science section from any test date. | Points | 1 – 36 |
Practical Examples
Understanding how the superscore is calculated is easiest with examples. Let’s see how our superscore calculator for act would handle two different scenarios.
Example 1: Consistent Improvement
A student takes the ACT twice with the following scores:
- Test 1: English 28, Math 25, Reading 29, Science 26 (Composite: 27)
- Test 2: English 30, Math 28, Reading 28, Science 29 (Composite: 29)
The highest scores for each section are: English (30), Math (28), Reading (29), and Science (29).
Calculation: (30 + 28 + 29 + 29) / 4 = 116 / 4 = 29
Resulting Superscore: 29
Example 2: Varied Strengths
Another student has more varied scores across three test dates:
- Test 1: English 34, Math 27, Reading 30, Science 28
- Test 2: English 31, Math 32, Reading 29, Science 31
- Test 3: English 32, Math 29, Reading 34, Science 30
The highest scores are: English (34), Math (32), Reading (34), and Science (31).
Calculation: (34 + 32 + 34 + 31) / 4 = 131 / 4 = 32.75
Resulting Superscore: 33 (rounded up)
How to Use This Superscore Calculator for ACT
Our tool is designed to be simple and intuitive. Follow these steps to find your ACT superscore:
- Gather Your Score Reports: Collect the score reports from every time you’ve taken the ACT.
- Enter Your Scores: For each test date, input your section scores (1-36) for English, Math, Reading, and Science into the corresponding fields. The calculator provides fields for up to three test dates.
- Calculate: Click the “Calculate Superscore” button.
- Review Your Results: The calculator will instantly display your calculated ACT Superscore, along with the highest score achieved for each individual section. The results are also visualized in a bar chart.
Key Factors That Affect Your ACT Superscore
Several factors can influence your ability to achieve a high superscore:
- Number of Attempts: The more times you take the test, the more opportunities you have to achieve a peak score in each section. Most students take the test 2-3 times.
- College Policies: The most critical factor is whether the colleges you’re applying to accept superscores. While many do, not all institutions have this policy. Always check with each school directly.
- Targeted Preparation: After your first test, you can focus your test prep strategies on your weaker sections to improve those specific scores on subsequent attempts.
- Test Day Performance: Factors like sleep, nutrition, and anxiety can impact performance. Having a bad day won’t ruin your chances if you have other strong scores to fall back on.
- Understanding Score Reports: Knowing how to read your ACT score report helps you identify areas for improvement, which is a key part of an effective superscoring strategy.
- Choosing Between Tests: For some students, focusing on just one test (e.g., the ACT) instead of dividing efforts between the SAT vs ACT can lead to better overall results and a stronger superscore.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do all colleges accept the ACT Superscore?
No, not all colleges do. While the practice is becoming more common, some universities still only consider the highest composite score from a single test date. It is crucial to check the admission policies of each college on your list.
How many test scores can I use in the calculator?
Our calculator allows you to enter scores from up to three different test dates. This is generally sufficient, as most students take the ACT two or three times.
Is the writing section included in the ACT Superscore?
No, the optional Writing section is not included in the calculation of the composite score or the superscore. The superscore is based only on the English, Math, Reading, and Science sections.
What is a good ACT score?
A “good” score is relative and depends on the colleges you are applying to. You can research the average ACT scores of admitted students at your target schools to set a personal goal. For more context, see our guide on what is a good ACT score.
How do I send my superscore to colleges?
You don’t send a “superscore” directly. You send your official score reports from all the test dates you wish to be considered. The college’s admission office will then calculate the superscore themselves if it’s their policy to do so.
Does the ACT create an official superscore report?
Yes, the ACT provides an official superscore on your score report, which is available in your MyACT account. It automatically shows the highest scores for each subject along with the calculated superscore.
Is it better to take the ACT or SAT?
This depends on the individual. Some students perform better on one test than the other. Many colleges accept both. Reviewing a comparison of the ACT vs ACT may help you decide.
Where can I find a list of colleges that superscore the ACT?
Many online resources compile lists of colleges that superscore. PrepScholar and IvyWise are two sources that provide extensive, though not always fully updated, lists of institutions. A direct visit to a college’s admissions website is the most reliable source of information about their college admission standards.