<p>My highest sitting ACT is:
Composite 33
English 33
Math 29
Reading 33
Science 35
Essay 10</p>
<p>If I were to superscore, I would take a math score of 30 and a reading score of 34 from two separate ACTs. The composite on these are 29 and 30. Would it be worth it to get a boost in two subcategories by a point? This would not impact my composite at all. The only schools I am applying to where they might super score is Wesleyan, Swarthmore, Pitzer, and Macalester. (Anyone know if they do for sure?)</p>
<p>So what are your opinions? Is it worth it to superscore to raise two points but not composite? Would seeing my previous scores be detrimental?</p>
<p>ACT’s superscored? I don’t think so. Follow the rules. Submit the best score only at places that don’t require submitting all scores. It will look suspect if you don’t.</p>
<p>Sorry, but rhg3rd does not know what he is talking about. Colleges want to evaluate you in your best light. Superscoring the ACT helps them, because they can then report that their matriculants have a “higher” ACT score, which helps them in the US News and other rankings. Many schools (but not all) superscore, and this is a growing trend.</p>
<p>also, many colleges that superscore have computer systems that pull out your best subsection score for review. I know that Middlebury and UVA do this, for example, and speculate that many others may as well. So in many cases I suspect that the admissions readers never even see the lower subsection scores.</p>
<p>It is my understanding that you don’t create the superscore, but rated that the college/university does when you send them the results from multiple sittings. Read the various websites to find out about this.</p>
<p>Yes I know they create the super score and I would have to send it in from multiple dates. Other opinions for this super score? I will totally do it if it will not be detrimental in any way. As in, seeing my old composite and lower sub scores.</p>
<p>Basically I think out of the schools listed, only Wesleyan and Pitzer super score. Considering Pitzer de-emphasizes standardized test scores, I won’t super score for them. I am thinking I should for Wesleyan though. Swarthmore doesn’t, correct?</p>
<p>@thirrdplanet Swarthmore doesn’t superscore across all sections, no. But many schools (Swarthmore included) have a policy that allows students to combine their highest ACT composite with their highest essay or combined English/writing. Different websites have very different terms for this, but it’s often known as “superscoring by composite,” so it could help you present a stronger application for an English/history major.</p>
<p>As for the OP, a handful of schools (sorry I don’t know the specifics) do in fact look at specific sections of your tests to determine your qualifications, but if it’d be too costly or too much of a hassle for you to do the superscore then I’d advise against it. There’s not much of a difference between the sections you’ve listed (at a certain point slight differences between scores become negligible), unless you’re doing STEM (in which case breaking the 30 threshold would have a big impact). If you can easily afford it, then I’d say go for it.</p>
<p>I’ve gotten a 10 on the essay every time I have taken the ACT so that doesn’t change.</p>
<p>I’m interested in majoring in science. Could the one point boost in math help? Would they also see the 27 in science on that test versus the 35 I have now?</p>
<p>Honestly, this isn’t worth the downside of showing the other scores. The 29 may have been a 29.4 and 30 a 29.9. When you are talking about one point difference on two sub scores, it’s not statistically significant. Unless OP knows with certainty that no one at Wes will see scores other the best parts, sending the other results isn’t a good idea.</p>
<p>A better way of looking STEM prepped is with SAT Math Level I or II subject test.</p>
<p>I really think is a no brainer. Do you prefer Wesleyan over any school to which to have already been admitted? If so, it’s crazy not to send your highest scores in each subsection WHEN THOSE ARE THE SCORES THEY WILL CONSIDER when they consider whether or not to admit you!</p>
<p>from their website:</p>
<p>Wesleyan is committed to using your test scores in the most beneficial way possible for you in the admission process. We will use the highest scores on each section of the SAT or on Subject Tests, and the highest subscores and recalculated composite score on the ACT when evaluating your application. The College Board’s new Score Choice policy gives students the ability to send scores from individual test dates to colleges and universities, instead of all of their testing results. Although we do not require all scores to be submitted, Wesleyan strongly encourages students to report all of their scores when applying instead of electing to use the Score Choice option."</p>
<p>I think a Math subject test is a great suggestion if the OP has the time.</p>
<p>I just don’t see the point in omitting information that is more favorable just to save 22 bucks. I fear it may be pennywise and pound foolish. I am not sure, but I suspect the difference between 93rd percentile and 95th percentile may be many thousands of students. If the goal is to be admitted, surely the chances of that are increased if higher test scores are presented? The tests have already been prepared for, paid for and taken. Why in the world would you not want to submit them after all that?</p>