Submitting Standardized Test Scores: A Deep Dive into Score Choice & Superscoring Policies
By Sarah H on Updated:
Navigating standardized test scores for college applications can feel complicated, especially with many schools going test-optional. If you do decide to take the SAT or ACT and want to submit your scores, you need to understand terms like “superscoring” and “Score Choice.” Knowing the different college test score policies helps you decide when and how to submit test scores strategically.
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The Changing Landscape: Test Optional and Test Blind
First, remember that many colleges are now:
- Test-Optional: You can choose whether or not to submit your SAT/ACT scores. Your application will be reviewed fairly either way.
- Test-Blind/Test-Free: These colleges will not consider test scores at all, even if you send them.
Always check the specific policy for each college on your list! If a school is test-blind, there’s no decision to make – don’t send scores. If it’s test-optional, the strategies below become relevant.
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Understanding Different College Test Score Policies
If a college does accept scores (either required or optional), they usually handle multiple test dates in one of these ways:
- Highest Single Test Date: They consider your single best overall score from one specific test administration.
- Superscoring: They take your highest section scores from across different test dates and combine them to create a new, higher composite score.
- Highest Section Scores: Similar to superscoring, they consider your best section scores but might not calculate a new composite score.
- Require All Scores: Some (fewer now) colleges require you to send scores from all your SAT or ACT attempts.
Knowing a college’s policy is crucial for your strategy.
What is Superscoring? (Your Best Section Scores)
Superscoring is generally good news for students!
- How it works (SAT): A college takes your best Evidence-Based Reading and Writing score and your best Math score from all your SAT test dates and combines them.
- How it works (ACT): A college takes your best English, Math, Reading, and Science section scores from all your ACT test dates and averages them for a new (often higher) composite superscore ACT.
Many colleges superscore, allowing you to showcase your peak performance in each area.
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What is Score Choice? (Choosing Which Tests to Send)
Score Choice is a feature offered by the College Board (SAT) and ACT that lets you decide which test date results to send to colleges.
- SAT: With Score Choice SAT, you can pick specific test dates to send. If a college superscores or only considers your highest single date, Score Choice allows you to send only the dates with your best scores.
- ACT: ACT also allows you to choose which test dates to send.
Important Note: If a college requires you to submit all scores, you should not use Score Choice to withhold scores from them. Always follow the college’s stated policy.
Strategic Decisions: When Should You Submit Test Scores?
This is the big question for test-optional schools. Consider submitting scores if:
- Your scores are at or above the average range for admitted students at that specific college (check their admissions website or Common Data Set).
- Your scores strengthen your application, perhaps balancing out a slightly lower GPA.
- Your scores are required for specific scholarships or programs (even at test-optional schools).
Consider not submitting scores if:
- Your scores are significantly below the college’s average range.
- You feel other parts of your application (GPA, rigor, essays, activities) are much stronger and better represent your abilities. This is a common test optional strategy.
There’s no single right answer; it depends on your scores, the college’s profile, and the rest of your application.
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How to Send Your Scores
You typically need to send official score reports directly from the testing agency (College Board for SAT, ACT for ACT).
- Allow plenty of time before deadlines.
- There is usually a fee for each report sent (though fee waivers are available for eligible students).
- Select the colleges carefully.
- Use Score Choice strategically based on college policies (unless they require all scores).
- Keep track of sending SAT scores and ACT scores through your online accounts.
Some colleges may accept self-reported scores initially, requiring official reports only upon enrollment – check their policy.
Final Thought: Know the Policies, Make Informed Choices
Deciding whether and how to submit test scores requires understanding each college’s specific policies on test-optional, superscoring, and score reporting. Research each school on your list. Understand Score Choice SAT and superscore ACT options. Make informed, strategic decisions that present your application in the best possible light.
Need more tips on college applications, scholarships, or just how to survive this whole process? Cirkled In has your back—check out Cirkled In resources to help you through every step of your college journey!
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