Super score meaning?

Hey everyone, I've been hearing a lot about super scoring in the context of college admissions. Can someone please explain what exactly it means and how it affects the application process?

Super scoring is a practice adopted by some colleges and universities in which they consider only the highest section scores from multiple standardized test attempts (either SAT or ACT) when evaluating a student for admission. This means that if a student takes the test multiple times, the college will combine the best scores from each section (Reading/Writing and Math for the SAT, or English, Math, Reading, and Science for the ACT) to create the highest possible composite score.

For example, let's say a student takes the SAT twice:

Attempt 1:

- Math: 700

- Reading/Writing: 650

- Total: 1350

Attempt 2:

- Math: 670

- Reading/Writing: 720

- Total: 1390

A college that uses super scoring would combine the best scores from each section: Math from Attempt 1 (700) and Reading/Writing from Attempt 2 (720), creating a super scored composite of 1420.

Super scoring can be beneficial for students as it allows them to showcase their best performance on each section without being penalized for a lower score in a different section on the same test day. It can encourage students to retake the test multiple times if they are seeking to improve their scores and increase their chances of getting into competitive schools. However, keep in mind that not all colleges use super scoring, so it's essential to research the specific admissions policies of the schools you're interested in applying to.

Additionally, remember that most colleges have a holistic review process, taking into account other factors besides just standardized test scores, such as grades, course rigor, extracurricular activities, and essays. While super scoring can be advantageous, it's crucial to maintain a well-rounded profile and develop other aspects of your application.