Colleges that Superscore

If two applicants were to apply to a college that superscored the ACT, would the composite scores for each test submitted give one applicant the advantage over the other? (see below)

Applicant #1
ACT Composite (first try): 32
ACT Composite (second try): 32
Superscore: 33

Applicant #2:
ACT Composite (first try): 33

Would Applicant #2 have an advantage because they received Applicant #1’s composite score without needing a superscore?

Typically no. Most schools that superscore state that they only consider the highest score from each section. Some may recalculate the composite score, but many don’t.

Test scores are one of many factors considered during the application process. People tend to give test scores too much weight in their mental calculation of admissions chances because they are easier to quantify and compare than, for example, an essay.