How Colleges View Multiple SAT/ACT Scores: Score Policy Guide

One of the most common questions we receive from families is: How do colleges view multiple SAT or ACT scores? It’s a valid concern, especially for students planning to retake the test in pursuit of a higher score. In this article, we’ll clarify exactly how colleges evaluate multiple SAT or ACT scores, what “superscoring” means, and how score policies can impact your testing strategy. Knowing the policies ahead of time can help you plan effectively and optimize your application.

Why Score-Use Policies Matter

Every SAT or ACT test attempt is recorded by the test writer, but only the one(s) you select is (are) sent to universities. Understanding how colleges evaluate multiple test scores can give you a strategic advantage—without this knowledge, students may retest aimlessly, submit scores that don’t help them, or miss opportunities to strengthen their applications.

Your decision as to whether or not to retest should factor in your target colleges’ score-use policies, and ideally be guided by professionals who understand how to navigate them with precision.

The Three Main Score Policy Types

While policies vary by institution, most colleges fall into one of three primary categories when evaluating multiple SAT or ACT scores:

1. Superscoring

Definition: The college combines your highest section scores across multiple test dates to form your best possible composite score.

SAT Example:
Test 1 – 700 Math, 650 Reading/Writing
Test 2 – 650 Math, 720 Reading/Writing
Superscore = 700 Math + 720 Reading/Writing = 1420 Total

ACT Example:
Test 1 – 32 English, 30 Math, 28 Reading, 31 Science
Test 2 – 30 English, 32 Math, 31 Reading, 29 Science
Superscore = 32 English, 32 Math, 31 Reading, 31 Science = Composite 32

Who uses it: Some selective schools, including MIT, NYU, The University of Chicago, and others, as well as some public universities use superscoring—especially for the SAT. The number is growing each year.

Why it matters: Superscoring allows students to take the test more than once and focus on improving specific sections without the pressure of maintaining top scores throughout the entire test at once. This facilitates strategic prep between test dates.

2. S

Definition: The college considers your highest total (SAT) or composite (ACT) score from a single test date—no mixing and matching of sections across test dates.

Example:
SAT Test 1 – 1350
SAT Test 2 – 1410
Only the 1410 is considered.

ACT Example:
Test 1 – Composite 30
Test 2 – Composite 33
Only the 33 is considered.

Who uses it: The top three of the Ivy League: Harvard, Princeton, and Yale, and some other top-tier and middle-tier universities. They want to see your best complete Test Day performance, and don’t combine section scores.

Why it matters: In this case, score improvement must be comprehensive. You’ll need a strong performance across all sections on the same day. Test Day strategy and full-prep cycles become even more important.

3. All Scores Required

Definition: The college requires you to submit scores from every test you’ve taken, regardless of which score is highest.

Who uses it: Fewer schools use this policy today, but some still do—including some selective ones like Georgetown.

Why it matters: This policy places a premium on consistent performance. Even lower scores will be visible, which means that poor prep, scattered testing, or excessive attempts can work against you.

How to Find a School’s Score Policy

Score-use policies can typically be found on each college’s official admissions website under their “Testing Requirements” or “Application Instructions” section. However, these policies can be buried in the fine print, vary slightly depending on the program or major, and change from year to year.

That’s why we recommend cross-referencing multiple sources:

• The college’s admissions site
• The College Board’s “BigFuture” or ACT Inc.’s college planning tools
• Direct inquiries to admissions offices when in doubt

What About Test-Optional Schools?

Even in a test-optional landscape, score policies matter.

If you choose to submit your SAT or ACT scores to a test-optional school, they will review them using the same internal policy (superscore, highest single composite, etc.) they apply to all applicants. Since admissions are a very human process, high scores can be difficult to ignore even if they’re optional, and submitting them can still offer a significant admissions boost, strengthen merit aid eligibility, and support your overall academic profile.

In short: optional doesn’t mean irrelevant. Not even close.

Strategic Implications for Students

Understanding score policy isn’t just a technical detail—it should factor into your testing strategy.

If your target schools superscore:

• Focus on incremental improvements
• Concentrate on weaker sections after each test
• Prep in strategic waves, not one-size-fits-all bursts

If your schools use single composite:

• Prep for the full exam each time
• Make sure no one section pulls your score down

If your schools require all scores:

• Avoid “trial” tests without prep
• Limit test attempts to those you are fully prepared for
• Treat each administration like the real thing—because it is

FAQs: Understanding SAT/ACT Score Policies

Q: Is superscoring more common with the SAT or ACT?
A: Superscoring has traditionally been more common with the SAT, but many colleges now superscore both tests. Always check your specific college list.

Q: Can I choose which scores to send?
A: Yes—both the College Board and ACT, Inc. allow you to select which test dates to send. However, if a college requires all scores, you must follow their policy.

Q: Does taking the test multiple times look bad?
A: Not necessarily. Most colleges expect multiple attempts. However, an excessive number doesn’t look good, especially to colleges that require the scores from all test dates.

Q: Should I prep differently if a school superscores?
A: If retesting, yes. Superscoring lets you isolate weak sections and improve on them over time. Your prep can be more focused, rather than treating every test like a one-shot deal.

The Bottom Line Regarding How Colleges View SAT/ACT Scores

How colleges view multiple SAT or ACT scores depends entirely on their stated score policy—and knowing that policy can be essential to your strategy. Whether your target schools superscore, consider only your highest composite, or require all scores, the key is to plan accordingly.

At The Best Test Prep, we build custom testing timelines and strategies for each student—always aligned with their target schools’ score policies. No guesswork. No generic prep. Just professional guidance tailored to the realities of college admissions.

Call (844) 672-PREP to start building a strategy designed for your acing your test.