In recent years, more colleges and universities have adopted test-optional admissions policies, giving students the power to decide whether or not to submit standardized test scores. Many students breathe a sigh of relief upon learning their dream school doesn’t require these assessments. However, the effects of these scores extend beyond boosting a student’s chances of admission to impact financial aid, scholarships, and other important factors.
Even students applying only to test-optional schools should plan to take a standardized test of their choice. Although the prospect of this undertaking may seem overwhelming at first, superscoring protocols may reduce the stress students may feel about performing well on their first attempt.
If your child is curious about how this decision may affect their chances of college admission, you’ll both want to understand the benefits of including standardized test scores in their applications.
What are Superscores?
Both the SAT® and ACT® may be superscored. In fact, ACT automatically calculates a test-taker’s superscore and provides it to colleges. While not all colleges use superscores, many do.
A superscore is calculated by using the highest individual score for each subject over multiple attempts. As such, the resulting superscore showcases the best efforts of each student.
Here is an example of SAT superscoring for a student who has taken the exam three times:
| Reading and Writing | Math | Composite | |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT 1 | 490 | 620 | 1110 |
| SAT 2 | 520* | 600 | 1120 |
| SAT 3 | 500 | 640* | 1140 |
| Superscore | 1160 |
Scores marked with * indicate scores used to calculate SAT superscore.
Here is an example of how this might look for the ACT:
| English | Math | Reading | Science | Composite | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ACT 1 | 22 | 20 | 23 | 22 | 22 |
| ACT 2 | 22 | 22 | 25* | 25* | 24 |
| ACT 3 | 25* | 23* | 23 | 24 | 24 |
| Superscore | 25 |
Scores marked with * indicate scores used to calculate ACT superscore.
Not all colleges accept superscores. Some schools allow applicants to submit scores from their single highest test date, while others require students to submit all their scores for review. Students must confirm each prospective school’s policy before submitting their scores.
Superscoring gives students the opportunity to highlight their potential and put their best foot forward during the college application process. By combining each of their highest subject scores, they’ll achieve a better cumulative score, which can help their application packet stand out against the competition.
Will Colleges Look at Standardized Test Scores in 2025?
During the pandemic, many schools relaxed their admissions policies regarding standardized test scores to avoid penalizing students who were unable to test during the height of COVID-19 restrictions. However, as of 2024, many institutions have started reinstating their original policies.
With the exception of the University of California and a handful of other test-blind schools, most colleges and universities do consider standardized test scores during the admissions process. Some test-optional schools may require ACT or SAT scores for certain applicants, including those who:
- Are homeschooled
- Don’t meet minimum GPA requirements
- Are applying for specific majors like nursing or engineering
Other institutions feature test-flexible admissions, allowing students to substitute AP® exam scores or other comparable tests in place of SAT and ACT scores. In other cases, schools may not require standardized test scores for admission but do require scores for enrollment, scholarships, or financial aid.
What are the Benefits of Submitting Your Scores?
Standardized test scores can be incredibly beneficial in reflecting your child’s academic capabilities. Remember, even if your child chooses not to submit their SAT and ACT scores, other applicants will because scores:
Showcase Your Likelihood of Success in Higher Education
When Brown University reinstated its mandatory testing policy, the school cited a study showing that strong standardized test scores can serve as an indicator of an applicant’s performance during their first year of college. And these correlations are reflected at test-optional institutions, as well.
Of course, many schools recognize that not all students excel on standardized tests. Colleges that accept superscores allow students to submit a higher composite score than they originally earned. This can be incredibly helpful for students who struggle to achieve high scores on the SAT or ACT.
Strengthen Your Overall Application
Standardized test scores are just one part of a comprehensive college application. They may work in your child’s favor to complement other aspects of their application to create a well-rounded submission. In some cases, these scores can be a deciding factor, especially if your child’s application looks identical to those submitted by other applicants.
Superscore results can also balance out the weaker parts of an application, such as a lower GPA. They may even demonstrate your child’s commitment to their education by highlighting their ability to take (and retake) these exams.
May Qualify You for Merit-Based Scholarships and Other Aid
Many colleges and universities offer merit-based scholarships and other aid opportunities. These schools often require standardized test scores that demonstrate a student’s ability to excel in higher education. Submitting scores may help your child qualify for financial aid options and a wide range of scholarships.
Additionally, superscored results can maximize your student’s performance, which can make them eligible for even more scholarship opportunities. If your child doesn’t earn their ideal score on the SAT or ACT the first time around, encourage them to retake the exam.
Have You Started Standardized Test Prep?
In most cases, completing high school coursework is not enough to help students earn impressive scores on standardized tests. Personalized test prep can improve your child’s SAT and ACT scores and maximize their chances of earning an even higher superscore.
These programs will introduce your child to testing formats, familiarize them with the types of questions asked, and give them valuable test-taking strategies they can take with them into higher education.
C2 Education takes an individualized approach to test preparation. We start with a practice exam that measures your child’s baseline score. Then, our tutors – who are all subject matter experts – create customized curricula to help your child build on their strengths and address their weaknesses to feel more confident on test day. In fact, students who participate in C2’s test prep programs consistently score in the top 10% of test-takers nationwide.
Our tutoring centers offer test prep for the PSAT/NMSQT®, SAT, ACT, and AP exams. Depending on your child’s schedule, you may enroll them in regular tutoring sessions throughout the year or opt for an intensive summer boot camp program.
Find a location near you or request more information today to get your child started on the road to success!
