SAT Essay Superscoring: Can You Combine Your Best Scores?

The SAT essay is an optional component scored separately from the main SAT scores. However, colleges vary in their policies regarding how they evaluate essay scores. Can you superscore your SAT essay, combining the best scores from multiple test dates?

Understanding the Current Superscoring Guidelines

The SAT essay, scored out of a possible 24 points, is not officially superscorable by the College Board. This means that no matter when you took the essay, colleges will typically consider the highest score you achieved. For instance, if you scored a 16 on your first attempt and a 23 on your second, the admissions committee would use the 23 as your essay score.

It's crucial to always verify the specific requirements of the colleges to which you are applying, as policies can differ between institutions.

Do Colleges Actually Use the SAT Essay Score?

Much like with superscoring the other sections, colleges may not place significant emphasis on the SAT essay. According to data and analysis, many schools do not heavily factor the essay score into their admissions decisions. This is partly due to the fact that the current style of the SAT essay is still relatively new, and schools are still learning what it means.

Additionally, the ACT also revamped its essay around the same time as the SAT, allowing colleges to largely ignore or downplay the importance of both tests. Even if the SAT essay score does have some impact, it would likely be positive if you achieve a high score like a 23. However, some schools could still look at your lowest score, but this is not common.

SAT Superscoring: A Comprehensive Overview

In the context of the SAT, if you have taken the test multiple times, both essay scores must be reported to the colleges or universities. In most cases, higher scores are accepted. The superscoring policy, which was introduced in 2016, considers the highest section scores from all administration dates to create the best possible composite score.

Here's a breakdown of the superscoring process:

Old Pre-2016 SAT: Highest scores from Critical Reading, Math, and Writing sections were combined. Current SAT: Highest Math score and highest Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) score are combined.

For instance, if you scored a 750 on Math on your first SAT but your Reading and Writing fell into the low 600s, you could prepare and boost those scores to 750 on a subsequent test. With superscoring, the college would take your best Math score (750) and your best EBRW score (let's assume 750), resulting in a strong composite score for your application.

While superscoring benefits students like you, it also has strategic benefits for colleges. By demonstrating that their admitted students have higher average SAT scores, colleges can potentially raise their rankings, as many institutions are evaluated based on the average scores of their admitted students.

How Have College Superscoring Policies Changed Post-2016 SAT?

The transition to the new SAT in 2016 introduced changes in the format and structure of the test. Consequently, colleges have had to adjust their superscoring policies to accommodate these new scoring patterns. While some colleges have retained superscoring for all sections, others have modified their processes.

Understanding these changes is crucial for students navigating the admissions landscape. As schools continue to adapt to the new SAT, it's important to stay informed about each institution's policies regarding superscoring.

Note: Always check the specific guidelines provided by each college to ensure you report and interpret your scores correctly.