Hello, how actually does the superscore method work? Till now I don’t fully understand it.
Example: assume you get a 700 math, 600 reading, and 650 writing on one SAT test for a composite of 1950. Now assume you take a second test and get a 600 math, 650 reading, and 700 writing for a composite of 1950. Superscoring uses the highest section scores from the two tests, giving you a 700 math, 650 reading, and 700 writing, for a composite of 2050.
ACT works similarly, e.g., a 30 math, 28 English, 29 reading, 30 science, for a composite of 29 in one test, when coupled with a 28 math, 30 English, 30 reading, 29 science for a composite of 29 on another test becomes a 30 math, 30 English, 30 reading, and 30 science, for a 30 composite when you use the highest section scores from the two tests.
Majority of colleges superscore SAT, minority the ACT. There can be some variations from the above. For example, there are many colleges that superscore SAT but do not use the writing score to determine admission and thus for them a 1600 in combined math and reading is the top score possible and in the example you would have a 700 math and 650 reading for a 1350.
Colleges who superscore look at your highest scores for each section of the SAT, and combine them. So although they see your lower scores, they don’t really consider them in the application process. This is a process done by the colleges rather than you.