Which colleges superscore the SAT

Okay, so I know a lot of colleges are test-optional now, but I’m still planning on submitting my SAT score to those that aren’t. I’ve taken the SAT twice and did better in Math the first time and better in EBRW the second time. That got me thinking…which colleges actually superscore the SAT?

I’m really hoping to maximize my chances, and if a school takes my best section scores from multiple attempts, it would definitely boost my overall application. I’m specifically looking for colleges, not universities with a ton of different schools in them.

I’m looking for a list of colleges, if possible, that definitely superscore. I’ve seen conflicting information online, so any confirmed examples (maybe even with a link to the school’s policy) would be amazing. Extra points if the colleges on your list are generally considered pretty good! Thanks!

Answer

Many colleges and universities employ a practice called "superscoring" when evaluating SAT scores for admissions. Superscoring means that the college will consider your highest section scores across multiple SAT test dates, even if they occurred on different test administrations. They will combine your best Evidence-Based Reading and Writing score with your best Math score to create your best possible composite score.

Here is a detailed list of colleges known to superscore the SAT, categorized for clarity. It is essential to verify this information directly with the admissions office of each college you are interested in, as policies can change.

Highly Selective Universities:

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT): Superscores both the SAT and ACT.
• University of Pennsylvania: Officially superscores both the SAT and ACT.
• Cornell University: Officially superscores both the SAT and ACT.
• Columbia University: Officially superscores both the SAT and ACT.
• Duke University: Superscores both the SAT and ACT.
• Northwestern University: Superscores both the SAT and ACT.
• University of Chicago: Superscores both the SAT and ACT.
• University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA): No longer requires or considers SAT/ACT scores.
• University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley): No longer requires or considers SAT/ACT scores.
• University of Michigan: Superscores both the SAT and ACT.
• Carnegie Mellon University: Superscores both the SAT and ACT.
• Emory University: Superscores both the SAT and ACT.
• Georgetown University: Does not superscore. Considers the highest composite score from a single test date.
• Johns Hopkins University: Superscores both the SAT and ACT.
• California Institute of Technology (Caltech): No longer requires or considers SAT/ACT scores.
• Brown University: Superscores both the SAT and ACT.
• Vanderbilt University: Superscores both the SAT and ACT.
• Rice University: Superscores both the SAT and ACT.
• University of Notre Dame: Superscores both the SAT and ACT.
• University of Southern California (USC): Superscores both the SAT and ACT.
• University of Virginia: Superscores both the SAT and ACT.

Other Notable Universities and Colleges:

• Northeastern University: Superscores both the SAT and ACT.
• New York University (NYU): Superscores both the SAT and ACT.
• Boston University: Superscores both the SAT and ACT.
• Georgia Institute of Technology: Superscores both the SAT and ACT.
• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill: Superscores both the SAT and ACT.
• University of Texas at Austin: For Fall 2023 and Fall 2024 applicants, UT Austin does not require SAT/ACT scores. Check their policy for future application cycles.
• University of Wisconsin-Madison: Superscores both the SAT and ACT.
• Pennsylvania State University: Superscores both the SAT and ACT.
• Ohio State University: Superscores both the SAT and ACT.
• Purdue University: Superscores both the SAT and ACT.
• University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign: Superscores both the SAT and ACT.
• Clemson University: Superscores both the SAT and ACT.
• Auburn University: Superscores both the SAT and ACT.
• Texas A&M University: For Fall 2023 and Fall 2024 applicants, Texas A&M does not require SAT/ACT scores. Check their policy for future application cycles.
• Indiana University Bloomington: Superscores both the SAT and ACT.
• Michigan State University: Superscores both the SAT and ACT.
• University of Washington: Test-optional.

Liberal Arts Colleges:

• Amherst College: Superscores both the SAT and ACT.
• Williams College: Superscores both the SAT and ACT.
• Swarthmore College: Superscores both the SAT and ACT.
• Bowdoin College: Test-optional.
• Middlebury College: Superscores both the SAT and ACT.
• Wellesley College: Test-optional through 2025.
• Pomona College: No longer requires or considers SAT/ACT scores.
• Carleton College: Test-optional.
• Davidson College: Test-optional.
• Grinnell College: Test-optional.
• Haverford College: Test-optional.

Important Considerations and Caveats:

• Test-Optional Policies: Many colleges and universities have adopted test-optional policies, particularly in recent years. This means that submitting SAT scores is not required for admission. Even if a college superscores, carefully consider whether submitting your scores will strengthen your application. Check each school’s specific policy.
• Self-Reporting vs. Official Score Reports: Some colleges allow you to self-report your scores during the application process. If admitted, you will then be required to submit official score reports directly from the College Board. Make sure that you understand each college’s policy on score reporting.
• Holistic Review: Even at colleges that superscore, test scores are just one factor in the admissions process. Colleges also consider your grades, coursework, extracurricular activities, essays, letters of recommendation, and other factors.
• College-Specific Policies: Always check the official admissions website of each college you are interested in for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding their SAT/ACT policies and superscoring practices. Search for "[College Name] admissions standardized tests" or "[College Name] SAT policy."
• ACT Superscoring: Many of the colleges that superscore the SAT also superscore the ACT. The same advice applies: verify the policy directly with each college.

How to Verify a College’s Superscoring Policy:

1. Visit the College’s Admissions Website: This is the most reliable source of information. Look for sections on "Standardized Tests," "SAT/ACT Requirements," or "Applying."
2. Search the Website: Use the website’s search function to look for terms like "superscore," "SAT scores," "ACT scores," or "test policy."
3. Contact the Admissions Office: If you cannot find the information online, call or email the admissions office directly.

Disclaimer: College admissions policies are subject to change. This information is for general guidance only, and it is your responsibility to confirm the most current policies with each institution.