SAT superscoring and Score Choice, explained
TutorAura guide · Updated
Superscoring is when a college combines your highest Reading and Writing score and your highest Math score, even if they came from different test dates, to make a new total (College Board). If you score 650 RW + 600 Math in March and 610 RW + 680 Math in October, a superscoring college would see 650 + 680 = 1330.
Whether a college superscores is up to the college, not the College Board. Combined with Score Choice, which lets you choose which test dates to send, it affects how you should plan retakes.
Key takeaways
- Superscoring combines your best section scores across test dates.
- Each college decides whether to superscore; check its admissions website.
- Score Choice lets you send scores by test date, not by section.
- With superscoring, a retake can focus on your weaker section.
How superscoring works
| Reading and Writing | Math | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| March | 650 | 600 | 1250 |
| October | 610 | 680 | 1290 |
| Superscore | 650 | 680 | 1330 |
A college that uses the highest single sitting would see 1290 instead. To be superscored, you need to send the scores from both dates.
Score Choice: which scores colleges see
- Score Choice is optional. If you don't choose, all your scores are sent.
- You choose by test date. You can't send the Math score from one date and Reading and Writing from another; each send includes the whole SAT from that date.
- Some colleges ask for all scores. Score Choice lets you choose what to send, but some colleges' policies require you to send every score. Respect each college's policy.
The College Board publishes institutions' score-use practices, but the most reliable source is each college's own admissions website.
College policies you'll see
| Policy | What the college uses |
|---|---|
| Superscore (highest section) | Best RW and best Math, across all dates you send |
| Highest sitting | The single test date with the best total |
| All scores | Considers every score, though many say they focus on the highest |
| Test-optional | Scores aren't required; you decide whether to submit |
Policies change, so check each college's current admissions page before you register and before you send scores.
What superscoring means for your retake plan
If your colleges superscore, your second attempt can be targeted. Suppose your first test gave a strong Reading and Writing score but a weaker Math score. Spend most of your preparation on Math: even if your Reading and Writing score dips on the retake, the superscore keeps your best one.
You still need to take the whole test, and you shouldn't neglect the other section completely, but focused preparation is usually more effective than trying to improve everything at once.
How to prepare for a retake
- Look at your score report for the domains and skills that cost you points.
- Take a timed practice test to confirm where you are now; try our free Digital SAT practice test or a section test.
- Work on the specific skills, with practice that gives instant feedback.
- Practise under timed conditions in the weeks before the test.
See how to improve your SAT score and when to take the SAT for timing.
Frequently asked questions
Should I send all my SAT scores?
Follow each college's policy. If a college superscores or asks for all scores, send what it asks for. Otherwise, Score Choice lets you send the test dates that show your best results.
What is an SAT superscore?
Your highest Reading and Writing score and highest Math score from different test dates, combined into a new total by colleges that superscore.
Do all colleges superscore the SAT?
No. Each college sets its own policy. Check its admissions website.
Can I send just my Math score from one test?
No. Score Choice works by test date: each send includes the whole SAT from that date.
Should I retake the SAT if colleges superscore?
Often it's worth it, especially if one section is clearly weaker, because you can focus preparation on that section.
Sources
- What You Need to Know About Sending Your SAT Scores. College Board BigFuture.
- Can I choose to send only part of my SAT score?. College Board.
- Should I Retake the SAT?. College Board BigFuture.
Keep reading
What is a good SAT score? Averages, percentiles and your target
The class of 2025 averaged 1029. How percentiles work, what 1200 and 1400 mean, and how to set your own target.
When should you take the SAT? A timeline that leaves room to retake
Spring of junior year first, a retake in the fall if needed: a timeline with prep built in.
How to improve your SAT score: a focused, evidence-based approach
Diagnose, target the skills that cost the most points, practise with feedback and review every mistake.
Free Digital SAT practice tests
A full-length, timed, adaptive practice test and section tests, free with no sign-up.