Maximize your ACT superscore by strategically focusing on one section per test
ACT now calculates your superscore using only English, Math, and Reading. Science is optional and not included in your superscore composite. Your superscore takes your highest section scores from ANY test date since September 2016.
You take all three sections (English, Math, Reading) on every test. Your superscore combines your highest score from each section across all test dates, then averages them and rounds to a whole number. The strategy: focus ~70% of study time on one section per test to maximize that score, while still improving the others.
Enter scores from a practice test or previous ACT to establish your starting point. Don't have scores yet? Take a free practice test at Test-Ninjas.com or act.org.
We recommend 2-3 tests for optimal superscoring. More tests have diminishing returns.
ACT Superscoring combines your highest section scores from multiple ACT test dates into one composite score. Starting in April 2025, ACT calculates your superscore using only English, Math, and Reading — Science is now optional and not included in the superscore calculation.
For example, if you scored English 28, Math 25, Reading 30 on your first test, then English 26, Math 30, Reading 27 on your second test, your superscore would be 29 ((28 + 30 + 30) ÷ 3 = 29.3, rounded to 29) — combining your best English (28) from test 1 with your best Math (30) from test 2 and best Reading (30) from test 1.
Many colleges accept ACT superscores, and ACT now provides official superscore reports that you can send directly to schools. Your highest section scores can come from any test event since September 2016. The next available test dates are December 2025 through July 2026.
Below is a list of popular colleges and their ACT superscoring policies. Always verify with the school's official admissions website before applying.
| College | Type | Superscores ACT | Testing Policy |
|---|---|---|---|
| MIT | Private | ✓ Yes | View Policy → |
| Stanford | Private | ✓ Yes | View Policy → |
| Yale | Private | ✓ Yes | View Policy → |
| Caltech | Private | ✓ Yes | View Policy → |
| Duke | Private | ✓ Yes | View Policy → |
| Johns Hopkins | Private | ✓ Yes | View Policy → |
| UPenn | Private | ✓ Yes | View Policy → |
| Northwestern | Private | ✓ Yes | View Policy → |
| Cornell | Private | ✓ Yes | View Policy → |
| Brown | Private | ✓ Yes | View Policy → |
| Dartmouth | Private | ✓ Yes | View Policy → |
| Rice | Private | ✓ Yes | View Policy → |
| Vanderbilt | Private | ✓ Yes | View Policy → |
| Notre Dame | Private | ✓ Yes | View Policy → |
| U of Michigan | Public | ✓ Yes | View Policy → |
| Georgetown | Private | ✓ Yes | View Policy → |
| Emory | Private | ✓ Yes | View Policy → |
| NYU | Private | ✓ Yes | View Policy → |
| U of Virginia | Public | ✓ Yes | View Policy → |
| Boston College | Private | ✓ Yes | View Policy → |
| Georgia Tech | Public | ✓ Yes | View Policy → |
| U of Florida | Public | ✓ Yes | View Policy → |
| Boston University | Private | ✓ Yes | View Policy → |
| Northeastern | Private | ✓ Yes | View Policy → |
| Ohio State | Public | ✓ Yes | View Policy → |
| Purdue | Public | ✓ Yes | View Policy → |
| Penn State | Public | ✓ Yes | View Policy → |
Important: Harvard and Princeton do not officially superscore the ACT, though they consider your highest section scores. Carnegie Mellon does not superscore the ACT (but does superscore the SAT). UC schools (UCLA, UC Berkeley, etc.) are test-free. Always verify policies on official admissions websites.
A 3+ hour test is exhausting. With superscoring, you can strategically focus your mental energy on one section per test instead of trying to peak on all sections simultaneously. If you fade toward the end, take another test focusing on those later sections.
Bad test day? No problem. Superscoring means one off morning doesn't define your score. You only need to perform your best on each section once across all attempts, not all on the same day.
Struggling with Math but strong in English? Dedicate an entire test cycle to intensive Math prep. Your English score is already banked from a previous test, so you can put 100% focus where you need it most.
Each test gives you another chance to hit your target in each section. Students who test 2-3 times statistically achieve higher superscores than single-sitting composites.
Instead of spreading yourself thin across all subjects, you can deep-dive into one section at a time. This focused approach often leads to bigger improvements than trying to improve everything at once.
When you send your superscore, colleges see your highest potential across all sections. ACT research shows superscores better predict college success than single-sitting scores.
Absolutely! Taking a timed practice test is essential before your first official ACT. Free practice tests are available at act.org. This establishes your baseline scores, helps you create an effective study plan, and prevents wasting $68+ on a real test just to "see where you stand."
Starting April 2025, the ACT superscore includes only English, Math, and Reading. Science is now optional and not included in the superscore calculation. Your composite is calculated by adding your best section scores, dividing by 3, and rounding to the nearest whole number.
Sign in to your MyACT account and request to send superscore reports. ACT will automatically include your best section scores plus a full score report from your highest single-sitting composite.
All students who have taken the ACT more than once since September 2016 are eligible. Your highest section scores can come from any test event, including both legacy and enhanced ACT formats.
No, the optional writing section is not included in your composite score or superscore. However, some colleges still require the writing section, so check your target schools' requirements.
Use our free calculator above to create your personalized ACT superscore strategy.