SUPER Scoring To the Rescue!
Because learning — and scoring — is all about progress.
You’ve probably heard the term “superscore” floating around when it comes to college admissions or ACT prep. But what does it actually mean, and how can it help Alabama students maximize their college opportunities?
At Test Prep Alabama, we’re all about turning effort into progress. Superscoring is one of the most student-friendly changes the ACT has ever introduced — and understanding how it works could make a big difference in your future score.
What Is Superscoring?
Superscoring means combining your best section scores from multiple ACT test dates to create your highest possible composite score.
Here’s how it works:
The ACT has three main sections — English, Math, and Reading. (Science was removed as a component that factors into the composite score in September of 2025.)
Instead of using all three scores from a single test date, superscoring takes your best individual section score from each test you’ve taken.
Those top scores are averaged together to create your ACT Superscore.
For example:
Test Date English Math Reading Composite
April 2024 23 21 26 23
June 2024 25 23 22 23
Superscore 25 23 26 25
That’s a two-point increase — without retaking the whole test perfectly.
Why Superscoring Benefits Students
Superscoring rewards growth over perfection. It acknowledges that learning is a process and that students improve over time.
Here’s why it matters:
✅ Less pressure per test: You can focus on improving one or two sections at a time.
📈 Higher reported scores: Many colleges now accept superscores, meaning your official record can reflect your best performance across attempts.
💪 Encourages persistence: You don’t have to get it all right the first time — you just have to keep improving.
🔢Test difficulty varies: If you keep taking the ACT, you’re bound to get some easier sections along the way.
Do Colleges Accept Superscores?
Yes — and the list is growing every year.
Most major universities, including many in the Southeast and across Alabama, now consider or even encourage ACT superscores.
Examples include:
Auburn University
University of Alabama (Admissions only)
Samford University (Admissions only)
Troy University
University of South Alabama
Always double-check each school’s admissions website, but superscoring is quickly becoming the standard.
When Should You Retake the ACT?
Because of superscoring, retesting strategically can really pay off.
If you’ve already taken the ACT once, consider:
Reviewing your score breakdown to see which sections have the most room for growth.
Using targeted prep (like Test Prep Alabama’s personalized tutoring) to focus on those areas.
Scheduling your next test date 6–8 weeks out to give yourself enough time to study and improve those specific sections.
Each retake is another opportunity to raise one or more section scores, which could push your superscore even higher.
🏁 Final Thoughts
Superscoring is proof that progress matters. It rewards effort, persistence, and smart preparation — all values we believe in at Test Prep Alabama.
If you’ve taken the ACT before, don’t think of it as a “one-and-done” test. Think of it as a series of chances to show how much you’ve grown.
📅 Ready to build your next best score?
Schedule a free consultation or diagnostic test at Test Prep Alabama — and let’s turn your hard work into a superscore you can be proud of.
