ACT Superscore Explained: How It Works in 2026–27

An ACT Superscore combines your best English, Math and Reading section scores from different ACT test dates and averages them into a new Composite.

Science is not part of the current Composite or Superscore Composite.

That is one of the most important changes students need to understand about the Enhanced ACT.

Example

Suppose you take the ACT twice.

Your best section scores are:

• English: 31
• Math: 32
• Reading: 31

Average:

[ \frac{31+32+31}{3}=31.33 ]

Rounded to the nearest whole number:

31 Superscore

Does ACT calculate the Superscore for you?

Yes.

ACT says it automatically calculates a Superscore for students who have tested more than once since September 2016.

You can choose to send that Superscore through MyACT.

Does every college accept ACT Superscores?

No.

Many colleges do, but not all.

ACT specifically advises students to check each college's official admissions policy.

That matters because when you send a Superscore, colleges receive information from the test attempts that make up that Superscore.

A college can still evaluate those scores according to its own rules. Check the good ACT score guide for how these composites compare against typical admissions targets.

Why superscoring changes retake strategy

Suppose your first test is:

• English 34
• Math 26
• Reading 32

You may not need to spend equal preparation time on every section before your retake.

If your target colleges accept ACT Superscores, Math may offer the biggest opportunity.

Your retake plan could focus more heavily on:

• Algebra;
• Functions;
• Geometry;
• time management.

You still take the full core ACT, but your study priorities can be unequal. Before you register for another attempt, check the ACT test dates guide for upcoming dates and deadlines.

Does Science help your Superscore?

Not the current Composite Superscore.

Science is still scored separately if you take it, and ACT uses Math + Science for the STEM score.

Science can still matter for some students or colleges, but it does not raise the current Composite Superscore. For more on how each section is scored, see our ACT guides.

Does Writing count?

No.

Writing is separate and is not part of the Composite Superscore.

Can you superscore across many test dates?

ACT uses your highest valid section scores across your ACT attempts.

The practical question is not:

How many tests can I combine?

It is:

Does another test have a realistic chance of improving one of my best sections?

Should you retake just for a Superscore?

Possibly.

Retaking makes the most sense when:

• one core section is clearly weaker;
• practice shows realistic improvement;
• your target colleges accept superscores;
• the new test fits your application timeline.

Retaking is less attractive when:

• your three core sections are already strong for your college list;
• practice scores have plateaued;
• another test would interfere with applications or schoolwork.

Superscore strategy example

Current best:

• English 33
• Math 28
• Reading 34

Superscore:

[ (33+28+34)/3=31.67 ]

Rounded:

32

If Math improves to 32:

[ (33+32+34)/3=33 ]

That one section changes the Superscore from 32 to 33.

That is a much clearer study goal than trying to “improve everything.”

Bottom line

The current ACT Superscore is simple:

best English + best Math + best Reading, averaged and rounded

Science and Writing do not enter the current Composite Superscore.

Use superscoring to make retakes more targeted—but always check the college's own policy.

Official sources

• ACT Superscore FAQs: https://www.act.org/content/act/en/students-and-parents/high-school-success/testing-advice-for-the-act/superscore-faqs.html
• ACT score sending: https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/scores/sending-your-scores.html

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