Superscore definition
College Board describes superscoring as using the best section scores across test dates and tells families to check each college’s policy.
Open the College Board superscore FAQParent SAT reference
How two SAT scores can produce a 1500 superscore
A superscore combines the highest Reading and Writing section score with the highest Math section score across test dates—but only when an institution uses that policy.
Twelve official admissions policies checked August 25, 2026 at 10:09 a.m. ET
Worked example
Two complete scores, one potential 1500
| Result | Reading and Writing | Math | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Test 1 | 760 ✓ | 690 | 1450 |
| Test 2 | 720 | 740 ✓ | 1460 |
| Potential superscore | 760 from Test 1 | 740 from Test 2 | 1500 = 760 + 740 |
The potential 1500 is not a new College Board score report or a single-test total. Test 1 remains 1450 and Test 2 remains 1460; the institution applies its own policy to the complete test-date results it receives.
12 college policy examples
The same two scores can be treated differently
These are policy examples, not rankings. Each link goes to the institution’s official admissions guidance.
| Policy group | Institution | Current treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Superscores / highest sections | MIT | Considers the highest score achieved in each SAT section. |
| Georgia Tech | Evaluates the highest SAT section scores. | |
| University of Virginia | Uses the top score from each SAT section across test dates. | |
| Ohio State | Superscores for Columbus-campus first-year applicants. | |
| University of Michigan | Considers the best SAT subscores across test dates. | |
| Purdue | Permits applicants to use their highest section scores across different testing dates. | |
| Stanford | Accepts SAT superscores and uses the highest section scores across sittings. | |
| Northeastern | States that it superscores submitted SAT results. | |
| Highest total from one test date | Georgetown | Does not accept superscores; requires at least one complete SAT or ACT result. |
| Penn State University Park | Uses the highest combined score from one single test date; does not superscore. | |
| Highest sections considered—no formal superscore | Harvard | Does not create an institutional superscore, but notes the highest SAT section scores across test dates. |
| SAT/ACT not used in admission | UCLA | Does not consider SAT or ACT scores for admission or scholarship purposes; superscoring is not applicable. |
“Scores not considered” is not the same as test-optional. A test-optional institution may evaluate scores that an applicant chooses to submit. UCLA says it does not consider SAT or ACT scores for admission or scholarship purposes.
Policies can change. Recheck the application cycle, program, campus, score-reporting requirement, and deadline before retesting or sending scores. A superscore does not guarantee admission.
Score sending
College Board sends complete results by test date
Students cannot send only Reading and Writing from one date and only Math from another. College Board sends complete selected test-date results, and the receiving institution applies its own policy.
Score Choice
Score selections are made by test date, and some institutions or scholarship programs require all scores.
Open College Board Score ChoiceComplete test-date results
An individual SAT section cannot be sent alone; the complete result from a selected test date is sent.
Open College Board score-sending guidanceInstitution rules
Colleges set their own score-use practices, and some may require all SAT scores.
Open the College Board policy FAQReview the strategy
Want help interpreting section scores?
Send Christian the two section-score sets and the institutions being considered.