If you have taken the ACT more than once, a superscore combines your best section results across all dates into a single, higher composite. This calculator does that math for up to four test dates, picking your strongest English, Math, Reading, and Science scores and averaging them.
How it works
For each of the four sections, the tool scans every test date you entered and keeps the highest score. It then averages those four bests and rounds to the nearest whole number:
superscore = round( (bestEnglish + bestMath + bestReading + bestScience) / 4 )Rounding uses standard half-up rounding, so an average of 28.5 becomes a composite of 29. Each section is treated independently, which is why a superscore can never be lower than your best single sitting.
Worked example
| Section | Date 1 | Date 2 | Date 3 | Best used |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English | 30 | 27 | 28 | 30 |
| Math | 26 | 31 | 29 | 31 |
| Reading | 28 | 25 | 30 | 30 |
| Science | 24 | 29 | 27 | 29 |
| Composite | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 (superscore) |
Superscore calculation: (30 + 31 + 30 + 29) / 4 = 30.0 → rounds to 30.
The best single-sitting composite was 29 (date 3). The superscore improves that by one composite point, which can meaningfully affect admissions at selective programmes where score ranges are tight.
Which colleges accept ACT superscores
ACT Inc. now calculates and reports an official superscore automatically on score reports, which has increased acceptance. However, policies still vary:
- Many selective universities accept and prefer the superscore
- Some schools use only the best single sitting
- A few use the most recent score regardless of performance
- Test-optional schools may evaluate the superscore if submitted
Always check the specific admissions policy for each school on your list before deciding how many times to test and which score to submit.
Strategic retesting tips
Superscoring rewards targeted retesting. Before sitting again, identify which sections have the most room to improve — a four-point gain in one section typically moves the composite more than scattered one-point gains across several. Focus preparation on the lowest-scoring section and retest when that preparation is complete, rather than testing again immediately after a disappointing result.