Schools that don't Superscore - is submitting highest ACT always the best?

Applying to College
1

Hi there - For colleges that don’t superstore, is it always better to submit the highest ACT scores? I am in the process of applying for early action to 5 schools all of whom have average ACT ranges of 29 -33. My highest was 30. One of my top picks, University of Michigan, does not superstore. My GPA is 3.9 unweighted/4.1 weighted, so that’s good but I’m a bit worried about my ACTs. First composite (w/out Writing) was 30 but Math and Science were low (23 and 24) . Second time, my composite decreased to 28 but Math increased to 25 and Science to 27. Plus I did the Writing section (9). For schools that offer it, I will be majoring in Speech and Communicative Disorders. For those that don’t either Eduation, Special Education or LAS Undecided. I’m nervous that if I only submit my highest score, they will take a look at math and science and laugh. I asked my school counselor but she said she wasn’t sure so really looking back to getting some advice :).

2

So you got 35/36 or two 36s on the other sections the first time and something like 30/31 at best the second time? That’s the only way I can make the math work.

As you’re not looking to be a STEM major, I’d probably go with the first - higher composite and much stronger scores in the sections more relevant to your intended major.

3

Generally, you want to be closer to the 75th percentile., not average. UMich reports ranges for subscores. See:

https://admissions.umich.edu/apply/freshmen-applicants/student-profile

I don’t know if your target majors are less competitive than stem, which could affect your own chance.

What were the other subscores?

4

a

5

My weighted GPA is actually a 4.9, not 4.1. Here’s a list of my scores:

first ACT composite: 30
english: 35
math: 23
reading: 36
science: 24
did not take writing

second ACT composite: 28
english: 32
math: 25
reading: 29
science: 27
writing: 9

my superscore is a 31. I already submitted my first ACT score, but I was wondering if I should submit my second, as I did improve in math and science.
Thank you so much for your help!

6

Both composites are in the 25th percentile for UMich.

I’ll go with RichinPitt but you have to realize the challenge for this college. Any top holistic wants to think kids have the academic strengths for more than just their major. The education degree at UMich has math and sci requirements.

The second test, yes, math and sci improve, but everything is out of range.