A Guide to Score Choice, Superscoring, and Test Flexible Testing Strategies

Navigating the college admissions landscape is no small feat. Among the myriad components that applicants juggle, standardized test scores hold a pivotal place for many institutions. However, the way these scores are reported and evaluated can vary widely. One concept that has transformed how students manage their standardized test results is known as Score Choice.

This article will explore what Score Choice is, how it functions, which colleges accept it, its advantages and disadvantages, and how students can craft a strategic approach to maximize its benefits.

Understanding Score Choice: The Basics

Score Choice is a policy implemented by standardized test providers like the College Board (SAT) and ACT, Inc. (ACT), which allows students to decide which test scores they want to send to colleges. Instead of submitting all test scores from every exam date, students can selectively send only those scores that present them in the best light.

This policy emerged from ongoing concerns about test anxiety and fairness. Students often take the SAT or ACT multiple times to improve their scores. Score Choice gives them the autonomy to withhold less favorable scores rather than submitting a full record that might contain scores they believe do not reflect their true capabilities.

How Does Score Choice Work?

When a student completes a standardized test, they receive their scores for that specific testing date. With Score Choice, rather than sending every score to every college, students can choose which specific testing dates’ scores they want colleges to see.

For example, if a student took the SAT three times and scored as follows:

• October: 1200
  
  
• December: 1350
  
  
• March: 1300

The student might decide to only send the December score of 1350, which is the highest.

Step-by-Step Process

• Test Completion: The student takes the SAT or ACT on one or more dates.
  
  

• Score Reporting: After receiving the scores, the student accesses the score sending system.
  
  

• Selection: The student selects which test date(s) scores to send to each college.
  
  

• Submission: Only the chosen scores are sent to the respective colleges.

Schools That Accept Score Choice

While Score Choice is an option offered by test makers, not all colleges accept it. Some require students to send all scores from every test date, regardless of the student’s preference. Others explicitly allow or encourage Score Choice.

Score Choice Acceptance: Examples

• Schools that typically accept Score Choice:
  Many public universities and private colleges allow Score Choice, including some campuses of the University of California system, University of Texas, and many smaller liberal arts colleges.
  
  
• Schools that require all scores:
  Some highly selective institutions, including Ivy League schools like Harvard and Yale, and others such as Stanford or MIT, may require applicants to submit all scores from all test dates.

Why the Difference?

Colleges that require all scores may believe they need the full academic record for a comprehensive evaluation. Schools that accept Score Choice prioritize student control and flexibility, often trusting applicants to represent themselves honestly.

It’s critical for applicants to consult each college’s admissions policy before deciding which scores to send.

The Pros of Score Choice

Score Choice offers several important benefits for students who take standardized tests multiple times:

1. Greater Control

Perhaps the most obvious advantage is that Score Choice empowers students to decide which test results colleges see. If a student had an off day or experienced distractions during a test, they can choose not to send that score.

2. Reduced Stress and Anxiety

Knowing that they are not obligated to report every test attempt can relieve pressure. Students can take the test multiple times to improve without fearing that one poor performance will drag their application down.

3. Strategic Application Customization

Applicants may apply to a range of schools with different levels of competitiveness. Score Choice allows them to tailor score reports based on each school’s expectations or admissions requirements.

4. Cost Efficiency

Some testing organizations charge fees for sending scores. By choosing only their best scores, students can reduce the number of score reports sent, potentially saving money.

The Cons and Challenges of Score Choice

Despite its advantages, Score Choice has drawbacks and complexities that students should carefully consider:

1. Not Universally Accepted

The biggest limitation is that many colleges require all scores. If a school requires all scores, Score Choice is irrelevant, and students must submit their entire testing history.

2. Potential for Negative Perceptions

Admissions officers might suspect that applicants are “cherry-picking” their best scores and withholding others to appear more competitive. This can raise questions about transparency.

3. Confusion and Administrative Complexity

The process of selecting which scores to send can be confusing, especially for students applying to multiple schools with varying policies. Mistakes in score reporting may inadvertently occur, such as sending the wrong test date or failing to send scores to all schools on time.

4. Pressure to Retake Tests

Knowing that only the best scores will be sent might encourage some students to take standardized tests more times than necessary, adding stress and financial costs.

How to Use Score Choice Strategically

If you are planning to take advantage of Score Choice, here are several strategies to consider to maximize its potential:

1. Research Each College’s Policy Thoroughly

The first step is to compile a list of your target colleges and check their specific testing policies on their admissions websites or by contacting admissions counselors.

Some colleges explicitly state whether they accept Score Choice or require all scores. Knowing this helps avoid surprises.

2. Plan Your Testing Timeline

Take the tests early enough so that you have time for retakes if needed. Score Choice is most beneficial when you have multiple test scores to choose from.

3. Send Scores Based on the Strength of Your Application

For highly selective colleges that require all scores, plan to take the test seriously from the start because all results will be visible.

For schools that allow Score Choice, consider sending your highest scores. For schools that superscore (which we will discuss in Part 2), sending multiple scores might be advantageous.

4. Avoid Over-Retaking

While Score Choice allows sending only your best scores, over-testing can lead to fatigue, burnout, and financial strain. Aim for quality rather than quantity.

5. Be Honest and Transparent

Although you can withhold some scores, it’s important to maintain honesty throughout your application. Dishonesty or misrepresentation can have serious consequences.

Score Choice and the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic caused widespread disruptions to standardized testing, prompting many colleges to reconsider their testing policies. During this period, Score Choice became even more relevant as test dates were canceled or students could only take certain tests once.

Several schools adopted test-optional or test-flexible policies, but Score Choice remained a useful tool for students who took multiple tests and needed to decide which to send.

Score Choice vs. Test Optional vs. Test Blind

It’s useful to distinguish Score Choice from other testing-related admissions policies:

• Test Optional: Students can choose whether to submit test scores at all. If they don’t submit, the college does not penalize them.
  
  
• Test Blind: Colleges do not consider standardized test scores even if submitted.
  
  
• Score Choice: Students decide which scores to send, but submission of some scores is generally required unless the school is test-optional.

Understanding these distinctions can help students craft a strategy that suits their situation best.

Real-Life Example: Using Score Choice Wisely

Imagine John, a high school senior who took the SAT three times:

• First attempt: 1150
  
  
• Second attempt: 1300
  
  
• Third attempt: 1280

John applies to three schools:

• School A requires all scores.
  
  
• School B accepts Score Choice.
  
  
• School C is test optional.

For School A, John must submit all three scores. For School B, he chooses to send only his highest score from the second test (1300). For School C, he decides not to send any SAT scores because the school does not require them.

By knowing these policies, John can focus on improving his test scores for School A while saving money and effort for the other schools.

Frequently Asked Questions About Score Choice

Can I send different scores to different schools?

Yes. Score Choice allows you to send different test dates to different colleges, depending on their policies and your strategic preferences.

Does Score Choice apply to the ACT?

Yes. ACT, Inc. also offers a similar Score Choice option that lets students select which test dates to send.

Is there a fee to send scores using Score Choice?

Sending score reports generally incurs a fee, but some students qualify for fee waivers. Check with the testing organization.

If a school superscores, should I send all scores?

It’s often advantageous to send all scores to superscoring schools, as they will combine your best section scores across test dates.

Score Choice is a powerful policy that gives students agency over their standardized test score reporting. It can help reduce stress, allow for strategic application tailoring, and save money. However, its benefits depend heavily on the policies of the colleges you apply to.

The key to leveraging Score Choice successfully is thorough research, planning, and honesty. By understanding your target schools’ policies and carefully selecting which scores to send, you can optimize your application and present your best self to admissions committees.

Superscoring — Unlocking Your Best Scores and Understanding Its Impact on Admissions

In the evolving world of college admissions, students and counselors alike seek every advantage to present the strongest application possible. One concept that has gained considerable traction and attention is superscoring. Like Score Choice, superscoring provides students with a strategic tool to optimize how their standardized test results are evaluated by colleges. However, superscoring works quite differently and often can make a substantial difference in a student’s reported performance.

This article will demystify superscoring — what it means, how it works, which schools use it, the pros and cons, and how students can make it work best for them.

What Is Superscoring?

Superscoring is an admissions policy where a college takes the highest section scores from multiple standardized test dates and combines them into a new, “super” composite score. Unlike Score Choice, where students select which full test dates to send, superscoring focuses on maximizing your score by mixing and matching your best section performances from different test dates.

For example, consider a student who takes the SAT twice:

• First attempt: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (ERW) = 600, Math = 650
  
  
• Second attempt: ERW = 650, Math = 620

A superscoring college would take the 650 ERW from the second attempt and the 650 Math from the first attempt, combining them to report a superscore of 1300. This score is higher than either individual test score and may better reflect the student’s potential.

How Superscoring Works: The Mechanics

Superscoring is primarily relevant for standardized tests like the SAT and ACT, both of which have multiple sections:

• SAT sections: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (ERW) and Math
  
  
• ACT sections: English, Math, Reading, Science
  
  

Here is the basic superscoring process:

• Multiple Test Dates: A student takes the test multiple times, receiving scores for each section on each date.
  
  

• Score Collection: The college collects all scores sent by the student (either through Score Choice or all test dates if required).
  
  

• Section-by-Section Comparison: The admissions office compares the scores of each section across all test dates.
  
  

• Combination into Superscore: The highest score in each section is combined to form the student’s superscore.
  
  

• Admissions Review: The superscore is used as the student’s official test score for admissions decisions.

Superscoring vs. Score Choice: What’s the Difference?

It’s important to understand how superscoring differs from Score Choice because they are often confused:

• Score Choice allows students to choose which complete test date scores to send to colleges. For example, you might send only your December SAT scores but withhold October and March scores.
  
  
• Superscoring is done by the college after they receive your scores. They take the best section scores across all test dates you submitted and combine them to create a new highest possible composite score.

In essence, Score Choice controls which scores are sent, while superscoring controls how those scores are evaluated once received.

Colleges That Use Superscoring

Superscoring is becoming more common but is not universal. Many schools explicitly state their superscoring policy on their admissions websites. Here are some examples:

Colleges Known to Superscore the SAT and/or ACT

• University of California system (for both SAT and ACT)
  
  
• University of Texas at Austin
  
  
• New York University (NYU)
  
  
• Boston University
  
  
• University of Michigan
  
  
• Texas A&M University

However, some elite universities still do not superscore, preferring to consider only the highest full test date score. For example, schools like Harvard, Yale, and Stanford generally do not superscore but consider only the highest single test sitting.

Because policies can change, always verify the current superscoring practices with each college to which you plan to apply.

Advantages of Superscoring

1. Reflects Your True Potential

By combining your best section scores, superscoring can produce a composite score that more accurately reflects your highest capabilities, especially if you had uneven performances across sections on different test dates.

2. Reduces Pressure to Perform Perfectly on a Single Test Day

Knowing that colleges will superscore can reduce anxiety, as students realize that one weak section on one test date won’t drag down their overall score if they do better on that section another time.

3. Encourages Strategic Retesting

Students can focus on improving specific sections in subsequent test attempts, which can be more efficient and targeted than trying to improve the entire test.

4. Potential to Boost Admissions Chances

A higher superscore can enhance your competitiveness in admissions, scholarship considerations, and even placement opportunities in college.

Potential Drawbacks and Considerations

1. Not All Schools Superscore

The biggest limitation is that many top-tier schools do not superscore. In those cases, retaking the test may only help if your overall score improves, not just individual sections.

2. Complexity in Reporting and Understanding

Superscoring requires colleges to track section scores from multiple dates, which can add complexity to their admissions process and create some confusion for students trying to understand how their scores will be used.

3. May Encourage Over-Retaking

Because students know that the best section scores will be combined, some may take the test repeatedly in hopes of perfecting each section, which can lead to burnout and increased costs.

4. No Control Over Whether a School Superscores

Unlike Score Choice, superscoring is a college’s policy — students cannot choose whether or not their scores will be superscored. This can be frustrating if a student prefers their highest full-test date score to be evaluated as is.

How to Strategically Use Superscoring

If you plan to apply to schools that superscore, here are some practical tips:

1. Take the Test Early and Often, But Thoughtfully

Begin testing early enough so that you have opportunities to improve weaker sections on retakes. However, avoid excessive retesting to prevent burnout.

2. Focus on Sectional Improvements

Analyze your score reports to identify your weaker sections and direct your study efforts there. For example, if your math score lags, devote extra time to math preparation for the next test date.

3. Send All Scores to Superscoring Schools

Because superscoring requires all test date scores to be considered, make sure to send all your scores to schools that superscore. Otherwise, they cannot create a superscore.

4. Confirm Superscoring Policies for Each School

Always check whether your target schools superscore and understand their exact policies. Some schools superscore only SAT, only ACT, or both.

5. Balance Superscoring with Other Application Components

Remember that test scores are just one piece of your application. Strong essays, extracurriculars, and recommendations can compensate if your superscore is not as high as you hoped.

Superscoring and Test Optional Policies

In recent years, many colleges have adopted test optional policies, allowing applicants to submit scores if they wish but not requiring them. Superscoring still applies for students who submit test scores to these schools.

For students who choose to submit scores, superscoring can boost their profile by showcasing their highest performance across multiple attempts. However, in test-optional contexts, students who don’t submit scores will be evaluated without standardized test consideration.

Real-World Example: Superscoring in Action

Consider Sarah, who took the ACT twice:

• First attempt: English 28, Math 24, Reading 30, Science 26 (composite 27)
  
  
• Second attempt: English 30, Math 26, Reading 27, Science 28 (composite 28)

At a superscoring school, Sarah’s superscore would take her best section scores:

• English: 30 (second attempt)
  
  
• Math: 26 (second attempt)
  
  
• Reading: 30 (first attempt)
  
  
• Science: 28 (second attempt)

The superscore composite could be calculated based on the best section scores, possibly higher than either sitting’s composite, thereby improving her admissions chances.

FAQs About Superscoring

Does superscoring apply to the ACT and SAT equally?

Yes. Both the College Board (SAT) and ACT, Inc. allow superscoring, but whether a college uses superscoring depends on the institution’s policy.

Should I take both SAT and ACT if colleges superscore both?

Some students do take both tests to maximize their chances of a higher superscore. This can be advantageous if colleges superscore both exams and accept scores from either.

How does superscoring affect scholarship eligibility?

Higher superscores can make students more competitive for merit-based scholarships that consider standardized test results.

Can I submit partial scores for superscoring?

No. You must submit full test date scores. The college will then extract the best section scores across your submitted dates.

Superscoring is a powerful advantage in the standardized testing landscape, allowing students to showcase their highest abilities without being penalized for less-than-ideal performances on specific test days. For many, it can significantly enhance their admissions prospects.

However, it requires careful planning, awareness of college policies, and a strategic approach to testing and score reporting. As policies evolve, students should stay informed and use superscoring thoughtfully within their overall admissions strategy.

Test Flexible Policies — The New Frontier in College Admissions Testing

In recent years, many colleges and universities have been reconsidering the role of standardized tests in admissions. As part of this shift, a concept called test flexible or test optional has emerged and grown in popularity. While sometimes confused with test-optional policies, test flexible policies provide a unique approach that allows applicants to submit different types of test scores — not just the traditional SAT or ACT — giving students more freedom to showcase their academic strengths.

This final part of the series will explore what test flexible policies are, how they differ from test optional, why schools adopt them, and how students can navigate these options to maximize their application strength.

What Does Test Flexible Mean?

Test flexible is an admissions policy that permits applicants to submit scores from a variety of standardized tests, not just the SAT or ACT, to fulfill the testing requirements. In other words, if a school is test flexible, students can choose among multiple testing options to demonstrate their academic readiness.

For example, a test flexible school might accept:

• SAT scores
  
  
• ACT scores
  
  
• Advanced Placement (AP) exam scores
  
  
• International Baccalaureate (IB) exam scores
  
  
• SAT Subject Tests (when available)
  
  
• Other recognized standardized tests (e.g., GRE for some graduate-level admissions)

This approach differs from traditional policies that require specific tests like the SAT or ACT exclusively.

Test Flexible vs. Test Optional: Understanding the Difference

It’s important to distinguish test flexible from the more commonly known test optional policy, as these terms are sometimes used interchangeably but have different implications:

• Test Optional means students may choose whether or not to submit standardized test scores (usually SAT or ACT). If they believe their scores will help their application, they submit; if not, they can apply without any test scores at all.
  
  
• Test Flexible means students must submit standardized test scores, but they have multiple options regarding which tests to submit. The choice allows them to select the test or tests that best reflect their strengths.
  
  

Test flexible schools still require some demonstration of standardized testing but provide flexibility in how students meet that requirement.

Why Are Colleges Adopting Test Flexible Policies?

Several factors contribute to the growing adoption of test flexible policies:

1. Acknowledging Diverse Student Strengths

Test flexible policies recognize that students excel in different ways. Some may perform better on AP exams or IB programs rather than traditional college entrance exams. Test flexibility accommodates varied talents and academic experiences.

2. Responding to Equity and Access Concerns

Standardized tests like the SAT and ACT have been criticized for cultural bias and socioeconomic disparities. Test flexible policies can level the playing field by accepting multiple types of assessments, some of which may be more accessible or aligned with a student’s background.

3. Adjusting to Pandemic Disruptions

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted testing schedules worldwide. In response, many schools embraced more flexible admissions policies, including test flexible options, to account for limited testing availability.

4. Providing a More Holistic View of Applicants

Allowing different testing pathways helps colleges evaluate applicants more comprehensively, beyond a single test date or format.

Examples of Test Flexible Schools and Their Policies

While test flexible policies are less common than test optional, several colleges have adopted or experimented with them:

• Hobart and William Smith Colleges (New York) — students may submit SAT/ACT or AP scores to fulfill testing requirements.
  
  
• Pace University — offers test flexible admissions, allowing applicants to submit SAT, ACT, or AP scores.
  
  
• Denison University — allows multiple standardized tests to satisfy requirements, including AP and IB scores.
  
  
• University of Dayton — offers test flexible options for applicants to submit a variety of test scores.

Each school has its own guidelines on what tests are accepted and how they are weighed, so applicants should carefully review admissions pages.

How Test Flexible Policies Work in Practice

When applying to a test flexible school, students typically:

• Review the list of accepted tests and decide which score(s) best represent their academic abilities.
  
  

• Submit official score reports for those tests along with their application.
  
  

• Understand that the admissions committee will consider these alternative tests as part of their evaluation.

Because the range of accepted tests can vary widely, students must plan accordingly to ensure they meet all requirements on time.

Advantages of Test Flexible Policies

1. Greater Choice and Control for Students

Students can select the test or tests that best align with their skills and academic preparation, rather than being confined to one or two traditional tests.

2. Opportunity to Highlight Subject Mastery

Submitting AP, IB, or SAT Subject Test scores can allow students to showcase proficiency in specific subjects, strengthening their academic profile.

3. Increased Fairness and Accessibility

Test flexible policies can reduce barriers for students who may not have had equal access to traditional testing or who perform better on alternative assessments.

4. Adaptation to Individual Circumstances

Students can tailor their testing submissions based on their unique academic trajectories, including international students who may have taken different exams.

Challenges and Considerations with Test Flexible Policies

1. Complexity in Admissions Evaluation

Evaluating different types of test scores requires admissions committees to develop expertise and consistency, which can be challenging and subjective.

2. Potential Confusion for Applicants

Students may find it confusing to navigate multiple testing options and understand which will best support their application.

3. Inconsistent Comparability

Different tests measure varying skills and knowledge, which may complicate direct comparisons among applicants.

4. Possible Requirement to Submit Some Test Scores

Unlike test optional, test flexible usually requires some testing, which might not benefit students who perform poorly on all standardized tests.

How to Approach Applying to Test Flexible Schools

If you plan to apply to test flexible institutions, here are some tips:

1. Research Each School’s Accepted Tests Thoroughly

Check exactly which tests are accepted and how they are evaluated. Some schools might give more weight to AP exams, others to ACT scores, etc.

2. Select the Tests that Showcase Your Strengths

Choose tests where you have performed best or that reflect your strongest academic preparation.

3. Plan Testing Timelines Carefully

Ensure you take your chosen tests early enough to submit scores by application deadlines.

4. Complement Test Scores with Other Application Materials

Because standardized tests are only one aspect of your application, bolster your essays, recommendations, and extracurriculars to present a holistic profile.

Test Flexible Policies and International Students

Test flexible policies can particularly benefit international applicants, who may not have access to the SAT or ACT or may be more familiar with other testing systems like A-Levels, IB, or national exams.

By accepting a broader range of standardized tests, test flexible schools help create a more equitable admissions environment for global students.

Future of Test Flexible Admissions

As colleges continue to reassess the role of standardized testing, test flexible policies may become more widespread. The trend towards holistic admissions — considering multiple facets of a student’s academic journey — supports this evolution.

However, widespread adoption will depend on how well schools can balance fairness, consistency, and simplicity in their evaluation processes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Test Flexible Policies

Can I submit multiple types of test scores to a test flexible school?

Usually, yes. Schools often allow students to submit combinations (e.g., SAT + AP exams), but it’s essential to check individual policies.

Does test flexible mean I don’t have to take the SAT or ACT?

Not necessarily. Test flexible means you can choose alternative tests, but some schools may still require some form of standardized testing.

Are test flexible policies more common at private or public colleges?

They are more common at private liberal arts colleges but are gradually spreading to public institutions as well.

How do test flexible schools compare test scores from different exams?

Admissions committees use internal guidelines and standardized conversions to interpret scores, but exact methods vary.

Conclusion: 

The rise of test flexible policies reflects a growing recognition that academic potential cannot be captured by a single test alone. For students, this offers exciting opportunities to present themselves authentically and strategically in college applications.

Understanding test flexible policies, along with Score Choice and superscoring from earlier parts of this series, empowers students to make informed decisions about testing. By leveraging these options wisely, applicants can enhance their chances of admission to colleges that align with their aspirations and strengths.

As the admissions landscape continues to shift, staying informed and adaptable is key to success. Whether you choose to submit SAT scores, AP exams, or a combination of tests, the ultimate goal remains the same — to present the best possible version of yourself to the institutions where you hope to thrive.