How an SAT superscore works

Best sections across dates

An SAT® superscore combines your highest Reading and Writing score with your highest Math score from different administrations. Colleges set their own policies: some use those best sections, while reporting requirements also vary. College Board: colleges and multiple SAT scores.

Here is an invented example:

• First test: Reading and Writing 700, Math 650 → total 1350.
• Second test: Reading and Writing 660, Math 730 → total 1390.
• Best sections: 700 + 730 = 1430.

The 1430 is a superscore. Neither test date produced that single-sitting total.

Superscoring and sending scores are different

You cannot order a College Board report containing only one section from a test date. When sending a date's SAT result, both sections go together. College Board: sending complete SAT scores. A receiving institution may then apply its superscoring policy.

For a concrete example, MIT primarily considers the highest section scores but asks applicants to report full test sittings and all exams taken. It explicitly says not to enter a self-calculated superscore as one sitting or report practice scores. MIT Admissions: tests and scores.

Before using the number

Read the receiving institution's current instructions. Record the dates behind each best section, and check whether the application asks for individual sittings, best sections, or an official report. Keep an admission policy separate from a scholarship policy; the same number is not automatically the required submission for both.

Check the linked official pages for the application cycle you are entering. Your practice scores help you review your work here. For college applications, follow each institution’s instructions for reporting scores and ordering official reports.