Does Emory Superscore Act? | Policy Explained

Navigating college admissions involves understanding how institutions evaluate standardized test scores, which can feel like deciphering a complex academic puzzle. Many students take standardized tests like the ACT more than once, aiming to improve their performance, and knowing how a university processes these multiple scores is a significant advantage in planning an application strategy.

Understanding Superscoring for Standardized Tests

Superscoring is an admissions practice where colleges consider an applicant’s highest section scores across all attempts of a standardized test. Instead of just looking at the best single test date, they combine the strongest individual component scores to create a new, higher overall score.

This approach benefits applicants by allowing them to present their academic capabilities in the best possible light. It acknowledges that a student’s performance can vary on different test days due to various factors, and it values consistent high performance in specific subject areas.

ACT Superscoring Mechanics

For the ACT, superscoring involves combining the highest English, Math, Reading, and Science scores from all reported test dates. These top section scores are then averaged to produce a new, highest possible composite ACT score. The ACT organization itself now offers an official superscore report, which simplifies this process for both students and colleges.

For example, if a student scores a 30 in English on one test and a 32 in Math on another, a superscore would use the 30 English and 32 Math, along with their best Reading and Science scores from any sitting, to calculate the highest possible composite score.

SAT Superscoring Mechanics

While the focus here is the ACT, it is helpful to understand the SAT’s similar practice. The SAT consists of two main sections: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) and Math. Superscoring for the SAT means taking the highest EBRW score and the highest Math score an applicant achieved across all test dates, then combining them for the highest possible total SAT score.

This distinction highlights that while both tests use superscoring, the specific components combined differ based on the test’s structure.

Emory University’s Approach to Standardized Testing

Emory University has a clear policy regarding standardized test scores. The university does indeed superscore the ACT, meaning they will consider your highest section scores from all ACT attempts. This policy is part of Emory’s commitment to evaluating applicants comprehensively and fairly.

Emory also maintains a test-optional policy for applicants applying for fall 2024 and fall 2025 admission. This means students have the choice to submit ACT or SAT scores if they believe the scores accurately reflect their academic preparedness, or they can choose not to submit them without penalty. For those who choose to submit scores, the superscoring policy applies.

The university integrates standardized test scores, when submitted, into a holistic review process. This process considers a wide range of factors beyond just numerical scores, aiming to understand each applicant’s full academic and personal context.

Deconstructing Emory’s ACT Superscore Policy

Emory’s ACT superscore policy means that if you take the ACT multiple times, the admissions committee will identify your highest score for each of the four sections (English, Math, Reading, Science) across all your submitted test dates. They will then use these highest individual section scores to calculate your strongest possible composite ACT score.

This practice is highly beneficial for applicants. It removes pressure to perform perfectly on a single test day and rewards persistent effort. A student might excel in English and Reading on one test, then improve their Math and Science scores on a subsequent test. Emory’s superscoring ensures that the application reflects these improvements, showcasing the student’s peak performance in each area.

The resulting superscore is the one used in the evaluation process, providing a robust representation of the applicant’s academic potential in standardized testing.

Example ACT Superscore Calculation

ACT Section	Test 1 Score	Test 2 Score	Superscore (Highest)
English	28	30	30
Math	29	27	29
Reading	27	29	29
Science	26	28	28
Composite Score	28	29	29

Note: The superscored composite is calculated by averaging the four highest section scores and rounding to the nearest whole number. In this example, (30+29+29+28)/4 = 29.

The Holistic Review at Emory

While superscoring ensures your best possible ACT score is considered, it is essential to remember that standardized tests are just one component of Emory’s holistic review. Admissions officers carefully evaluate every part of an applicant’s file to gain a complete understanding of their strengths and potential contributions to the university community.

Key elements of this review include:

• Academic Performance: Rigor of high school curriculum, GPA, and performance in advanced courses.
• Essays: Personal statements and supplemental essays provide insight into an applicant’s personality, writing ability, and motivations.
• Letters of Recommendation: Evaluations from teachers and counselors offer external perspectives on an applicant’s character, classroom engagement, and academic potential.
• Extracurricular Activities: Involvement in clubs, sports, volunteering, or work demonstrates interests, leadership, and commitment outside of academics.
• Talents and Interests: Unique skills, hobbies, or passions that enrich the applicant’s profile.

The superscored ACT score helps present a strong academic profile, but it is always considered within this broader context. A high superscore complements a strong academic record and compelling personal narrative.

Strategic Test Taking for Emory Applicants

Knowing that Emory superscores the ACT can guide your test-taking strategy. Here are some considerations:

1. Consider Multiple Sittings: Taking the ACT two or three times can provide opportunities to improve individual section scores. Many students find that their scores improve with practice and familiarity with the test format.
2. Focus on Specific Sections: If you perform well in some sections but not others on your first attempt, you can dedicate study time to the weaker areas for a subsequent test. This targeted preparation can significantly boost your superscore.
3. Understand Your Strengths: Analyze your practice test results to identify which sections you consistently perform well in and which require more attention.
4. Pace Yourself: Avoid burnout by spreading out your test dates and study periods. A well-rested and prepared mind often yields better results.

The goal is not to achieve a perfect score on every section in one sitting, but to demonstrate your highest capabilities across all attempts, which Emory’s superscoring policy supports.

ACT Section Improvement Focus

ACT Section	Areas for Review	Study Strategies
English	Grammar rules, punctuation, sentence structure, rhetorical skills	Practice passages, review grammar handbooks, identify common errors
Math	Algebra, geometry, trigonometry, data analysis, problem-solving	Targeted practice problems, review foundational concepts, use official ACT materials
Reading	Main idea, detail, inference, author’s purpose, comparison	Timed reading passages, active reading techniques, vocabulary building
Science	Data interpretation, scientific reasoning, evaluation of models, research summaries	Analyze graphs/tables, understand scientific method, practice interpreting experiments

Reporting Scores to Emory

When you decide to submit your ACT scores to Emory, you must send official score reports directly from ACT. Emory will then apply its superscoring policy to all official scores received. You do not need to manually calculate your superscore or indicate it on your application.

The ACT offers a “MyACT” account where you can view your scores and send official reports to institutions. When you request scores to be sent, you can typically choose to send all scores or specific test dates. Since Emory superscores, sending all your attempts allows them to accurately calculate your highest possible composite score. You can confirm the specific reporting requirements on Emory’s admissions website.

Beyond the Score: Crafting a Strong Application

While a strong superscored ACT score can enhance your application, it is one piece of a larger picture. Admissions committees seek students who will contribute meaningfully to the university’s academic and social fabric. This involves demonstrating intellectual curiosity, resilience, and a genuine interest in Emory’s offerings.

Invest significant time in your essays, ensuring they reflect your authentic voice and experiences. Seek thoughtful recommendations from teachers who know you well and can speak to your strengths. Highlight your unique contributions through your extracurricular involvement and personal interests. A well-rounded application, supported by a strong academic profile including your superscored ACT, presents the most compelling case for admission.