Understanding SAT Superscoring: Rules and Procedures for Top Universities
Superscoring is a strategy used by many universities and colleges to evaluate students' SAT scores. It involves taking the highest scores from multiple SAT testing dates and combining them to form a composite score. This article delves into the intricacies of SAT superscoring, including how it works and which top universities adopt this practice.
What is SAT Superscoring?
Superscoring on the SAT means that a student’s highest scores in each section from multiple testing dates are combined to form a higher composite score. For instance, if a student takes the SAT twice, one with scores of 600 in Reading and 650 in Mathematics, and a second time with 710 in Reading and 510 in Mathematics, the superscore would be the highest scores from each section, i.e., 710 in Reading and 790 in Mathematics, totaling 1500.
How Colleges Super Score on the SAT
Colleges typically super score the SAT by taking the highest score from each individual section, and not by considering the highest composite score across all sections. For example, if a student scores 1460 on the SAT with 740 in Math and 720 in Reading/Writing, and then retakes the SAT and scores 1440 from the combined sections but a 740 in Reading/Writing, the superscore would be the highest Math score (700 or 740) and the highest Reading/Writing score (720 or 740), resulting in a superscore of 1480.
Separate or Combined Section Scores
Some universities treat the Reading and Writing sections separately, but the majority use a combined total score for both sections. This means that even if a student scores a higher score in one section in the second test, the superscore will be the highest combined score from both tests. It is important to check the specific policies of each college as their procedures can vary, and some universities might operate differently, such as with the ACT where test sections are evaluated separately.
Top Universities and SAT Superscoring
The practice of superscoring by top universities is widespread, but it's crucial to verify the specific policies of each institution since even moderately selective colleges may not superscore. For example, many highly selective Ivy League schools, such as Harvard and Princeton, superscore the SAT to give students more opportunities to demonstrate their strengths. Other universities that superscore the SAT include Stanford, MIT, and Caltech.
Contacting Admissions Offices
Given the variability in superscoring policies, it's essential to directly contact the admissions offices of the universities to which you are applying. Most schools have information available on their websites regarding their specific SAT superscoring policies. This can help you understand how your scores might be evaluated and provide you with the best possible information to plan your test-taking strategy.
Conclusion
Superscoring on the SAT offers students a chance to maximize their scores across multiple testing attempts. By understanding the rules and procedures of how schools super score, students can optimize their test preparation to achieve the best possible composite scores. Always verify the policies of the universities you are applying to, as each institution may have different requirements and practices.