ACT superscoring dilemma

I am applying to some top colleges such as UChicago, UPenn and Columbia U. I need some advice pertaining to how to report my ACT scores.

I took the ACT three times.

First time
E- 34
M- 36
R- 33
S- 34
Composite 34.25 which rounds to 34

Second time
E- 36
M- 33
R- 15
S- 27
Composite 27.75 which rounds to 28
(I really screwed up the second time because during I knew I had messed up the math section so I couldn’t focus in all the following sections, especially reading)

Third time
E- 28
M- 36
R- 34
S- 36
Composite 33.50 which rounds to 34

Superscore 1st and 3rd test
E- 34
M- 36
R- 34
S- 36
Composite 35.00

Superscore all tests
E- 36
M- 36
R- 34
S- 36
Composite 35.50 which rounds to 36

The question now is:

Should I send all scores for a 36 superscore, but risk being negatively affected my 15 in the reading section of the second test

Or

Should I only send the scores from only the first and third test for a 35 superscore.

Thanks.

As far as I know, no college superscores the ACT, but could be wrong about this (none my daughter applied to anyway). I would send them all, the college will understand you had a brain fart or physical problem on the reading.

@xclaner The schools you mention all superscore the ACT – meaning they use the highest individual section scores across your testing history. Congratulations!
https://collegeadmissions.uchicago.edu/contact/faq
https://undergrad.admissions.columbia.edu/news/columbias-testing-policy-2016-2017
http://www.admissions.upenn.edu/apply/whatpennlooksfor/testing

I agree with magtf. I see your apprehension though and I’d say don’t worry about it too much! Colleges will look at your highest subscores and from your other sittings and they’ll be ableto tell you are an extremely intelligent person and something must have gone awry during the 28. Congrats! a 36 superscore is oustanding!

Great job! Maybe you could mention it to the colleges in the additional comments section of your application. Try to think of a better reason than “I couldn’t focus”. You’re clearly a great test taker and I hope you at in!

Send all three. I don’t think there’s any reason to justify your low score because

  1. They most likely won’t even see your low scores, just your super score.
  2. Having two tests to back up a high science and reading score shows the 28 was a fluke.

No doubt a 36 won’t help you much more than a 35, but you got the score, why not use it.