Can I Superscore Digital and Paper SAT? The Definitive Answer

Yes, absolutely! You can superscore between the digital SAT and the paper SAT. This is a crucial piece of information for any student strategizing their college admissions journey. The College Board recognizes that the SAT underwent a significant transition, moving from a predominantly paper-based format to a digital one. To ensure fairness and allow students to showcase their best performance regardless of the test format, they explicitly allow superscoring across both versions.

Understanding Superscoring: Maximizing Your SAT Score

What exactly is superscoring, and why is it so important? Superscoring is the practice of combining your highest section scores from multiple SAT test administrations to create your best possible composite score. Imagine you took the paper SAT once and scored exceptionally well on the Math section but less so on the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section. Then, you took the digital SAT and aced the Reading and Writing section but scored slightly lower on the Math section. Superscoring allows you to combine your best Math score from the paper SAT with your best Reading and Writing score from the digital SAT, effectively creating a “super score.” This is a huge advantage for students aiming for top colleges, as it allows them to present the strongest possible academic profile.

The College Board’s Stance on Superscoring

The College Board, the organization that administers the SAT, officially supports superscoring. They understand that test-takers might perform differently on different test dates and under different conditions. By allowing superscoring, they aim to provide a more accurate and holistic representation of a student’s abilities. This means that when you send your scores to colleges, you can choose to send all your score reports, and the colleges themselves will typically superscore your scores.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Superscoring the Digital and Paper SAT

Here are some frequently asked questions to clarify any remaining doubts about superscoring between the digital and paper SAT:

1. Which Colleges Superscore the SAT?

While the College Board allows superscoring, the ultimate decision of whether to accept and utilize superscored results rests with each individual college or university. Many colleges, particularly highly selective institutions, do superscore the SAT. They often state their superscoring policy explicitly on their admissions website. However, some colleges may not superscore or may have specific requirements. It’s crucial to check the admissions policies of each institution you are applying to directly. A quick search of “[College Name] SAT Superscore Policy” will typically provide the answer.

2. How Do Colleges Superscore the SAT?

Colleges that superscore generally take the highest score from each section across all submitted SAT test dates. For the pre-March 2016 SAT (the 2400 scale), they would take the highest Critical Reading, Math, and Writing scores. For the post-March 2016 SAT (the 1600 scale), they would take the highest Math and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing scores. They then add these highest section scores together to create the superscored composite score. This process is usually automated within their admissions systems.

3. Does Superscoring Guarantee Admission?

No, superscoring your SAT does not guarantee admission. While a strong superscored SAT score can significantly strengthen your application, it is just one piece of the puzzle. Colleges consider a wide range of factors, including your GPA, high school coursework, extracurricular activities, essays, letters of recommendation, and demonstrated interest. A high SAT score can help you stand out from other applicants, but it is not the sole determinant of admission.

4. How Does the Digital SAT Affect Superscoring Strategies?

The digital SAT has introduced some changes, primarily in the format and timing of the test. However, the core principles of superscoring remain the same. You can still combine your highest section scores from both the digital and paper versions. The key difference to consider is the adaptive nature of the digital SAT. The difficulty level of the second module in each section (Reading and Writing, and Math) adapts based on your performance in the first module. This means that consistent preparation and understanding the adaptive format are even more crucial for maximizing your score on the digital SAT.

5. Should I Retake the SAT Even if I Have a Good Score?

This is a complex question with no one-size-fits-all answer. If your current SAT score is below the average for admitted students at your target colleges, retaking the SAT and attempting to superscore is generally a good idea. Even if your score is already competitive, retaking the test might be worthwhile if you believe you can significantly improve a particular section and boost your superscore. Consider your test-taking strengths and weaknesses, the time and resources you have available for preparation, and the superscoring policies of your target colleges.

6. How Do I Send My SAT Scores for Superscoring?

When sending your SAT scores to colleges, you must send all your score reports from each test date. The College Board allows you to select which scores you want to send, and colleges will typically superscore the results themselves. Check each college’s specific instructions for sending scores, as some may have unique requirements. Be sure to send your official score reports directly from the College Board to ensure they are valid and verifiable.

7. Is Superscoring Allowed for All Sections of the SAT?

Yes, superscoring is typically allowed for all sections of the SAT. For the redesigned SAT (the 1600 scale), you can combine your highest Math score and your highest Evidence-Based Reading and Writing score from any test date. For the older version of the SAT (the 2400 scale), you can combine your highest Critical Reading, Math, and Writing scores.

8. What if a College Doesn’t Superscore?

If a college does not superscore, they will typically consider your highest single-day SAT score. In this case, you should focus on achieving your best possible score on a single test administration. Researching the college’s score submission policy is critical to optimize your testing strategy.

9. Does Superscoring Apply to the ACT?

Superscoring is also applicable to the ACT. Many colleges that superscore the SAT also superscore the ACT, allowing you to combine your highest section scores from multiple ACT test dates. Just like with the SAT, check the admissions policies of each college to confirm their ACT superscoring policy.

10. What if I took the Old SAT before March 2016?

If you took the old SAT (the 2400 scale) before March 2016 and also took the redesigned SAT (the 1600 scale), superscoring becomes more complicated. Colleges generally do not directly combine scores from the old SAT with scores from the redesigned SAT. In this situation, you may want to focus on achieving a strong score on the redesigned SAT, particularly if your target colleges primarily consider scores from the current version of the test. Contact the admissions offices of the colleges you are applying to for clarification on how they handle scores from both versions of the SAT.

11. Can I Self-Report My Superscored SAT Scores?

Some colleges allow students to self-report their SAT scores during the application process. If this is the case, you would calculate your superscore yourself by combining your highest section scores from different test dates. However, even if a college accepts self-reported scores, you will eventually need to submit official score reports from the College Board if you are admitted.

12. Where Can I Find Official Information About College Superscoring Policies?

The best place to find official information about a college’s superscoring policy is on their admissions website. Look for sections on standardized testing, application requirements, or frequently asked questions. You can also contact the admissions office directly by phone or email to confirm their policies and ask any specific questions you may have. Don’t rely solely on information from third-party websites; always verify directly with the college.

By understanding the principles of superscoring and the policies of your target colleges, you can strategically approach the SAT and present the strongest possible academic profile to admissions committees. Good luck!