An enhanced ACT Superscore combines your highest English, Math, and Reading section scores from eligible test attempts, averages them, and rounds to a whole number. Science is not part of the new Superscore Composite.
That calculation is different from your best single-test Composite. It is also different from a promise that every college will use the number the same way. ACT creates the report; each recipient sets its own score-use policy. ACT Superscore guidance
Compare a single test with a Superscore
Consider this original example:
| Test attempt | English | Math | Reading | Enhanced Composite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First | 28 | 24 | 27 | 26 |
| Second | 26 | 29 | 28 | 28 |
| Third | 30 | 27 | 26 | 28 |
The highest section scores are English 30, Math 29, and Reading 28. Their average is 87 ÷ 3 = 29.
The best single-test Composite in the table is 28. The Superscore is 29 because it combines strengths from different attempts.
Do not add the three Composite scores and average them. Superscoring uses the relevant section scores, not an average of test-day summaries.
What changed during the enhanced transition?
The three-section Superscore calculation began for enhanced testing in April 2025 and applies to students taking an ACT test in or after September 2025. Eligible highest section scores can come from legacy or enhanced administrations. ACT multiple-score definitions, ACT enhancement FAQs
That does not mean every historical report was retroactively rewritten. Keep the original single-test Composite values attached to their original dates. If you have only older attempts, inspect the actual Superscore displayed in MyACT rather than assuming a hand calculation replaces it.
For a mixed history, the important distinction is between which section scores can contribute and which reporting calculation applies. The English section from an older eligible attempt can still be relevant even though that attempt’s original Composite used the historical formula.
Use actual reports for eligibility and reporting
ACT currently describes Superscore eligibility for students who have tested more than once since September 2016. Use MyACT to review the official record and available report, especially if you have older scores or account-matching issues. ACT Superscore eligibility
If an attempt is missing, do not fill the gap with a remembered score and assume the recipient will receive it. Resolve the record with ACT.
Keep your own table of test dates and reported section scores. That helps you notice a mismatch, but it should support verification rather than substitute for the official account.
What happens to Science and Writing?
Science does not enter the enhanced Superscore Composite. Writing is not part of the Composite either.
That does not make those results irrelevant or automatically hidden. A recipient may have a Science or Writing requirement, and reports can contain more information than the Composite number you emphasize.
For same-administration STEM calculations, ACT defines STEM as the Math and Science average from that administration. Do not invent a new STEM value by combining whichever Math and Science scores you like across dates. Review ACT’s report for how additional fields are presented. ACT STEM and additional-score definitions
The distinction matters when a student assumes that a high Math score on one date automatically transforms a Science result from another. A hand-built number may not represent the field a college actually receives.
What gets sent with a Superscore?
A Superscore report is not simply a message containing one number and nothing else. ACT says recipients receive data from the attempts that contribute to the Superscore. A college can evaluate that information under its own policy. ACT explanation of recipient data
Before ordering, inspect the available report and understand the recipient’s instructions. Do not assume that selecting “Superscore” guarantees that every lower section result from contributing attempts is concealed.
If a college asks for a particular single-test report, follow that instruction. If it accepts self-reported scores initially, determine when an official report becomes necessary.
Ask colleges a precise question
A useful policy check includes:
| Question | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Do you accept ACT Superscores for my entry year? | Policies can change by cycle |
| Does the policy apply to my program? | A program may have additional requirements |
| Are Science or Writing required? | Composite treatment does not settle optional-section requirements |
| Can I self-report initially? | Application and official-report deadlines may differ |
| Which test dates are accepted? | A later score may arrive after the allowed window |
Avoid asking only, “Do you accept the ACT?” That does not answer whether the school superscores or how it handles your particular application.
Record the answer and its source. If you receive a written clarification, keep it with your application checklist.
Superscoring does not remove the need for balanced preparation
A student with strong English and Reading may choose to focus extra study time on Math before a retake. That can be reasonable, but “focus” should not mean ignoring the required sections or deliberately performing poorly.
A complete administration still requires concentration throughout the test. Maintaining familiar skills takes some practice, and a college may review single-test results or additional fields.
Build a plan from error evidence. If the Math gap comes from functions and geometry, assign those topics. If it comes from spending too long on early questions, practice pacing decisions. A general plan to “raise Math” is not specific enough.
Decide whether another attempt serves a goal
A potential Superscore increase is one factor in a retake decision. Consider whether the new date fits college deadlines, whether you have a concrete preparation plan, and what the attempt will cost in time and money.
For example, a student may be one section point from a rounding boundary but have no available test date that the target program accepts. The arithmetic does not solve the scheduling problem.
Another student may have several months, newly completed coursework, and a clear pattern of missed skills. That is a different situation, even if the current Superscore is the same.
Keep practice calculations separate
The ACT score calculator scores selected official practice forms. It is not an official Superscore reporting tool. Label any table of practice attempts as practice and avoid merging it with your official record.
SHSPrep’s ACT program includes lessons, targeted practice, and two original full-length mock tests with raw performance results. Use superscoring knowledge to understand your options, then choose study work and reporting steps that match verified requirements.