Does Brown Superscore? Everything You Need to Know

Does Brown superscore the SAT or ACT? The simple answer is yes to both. In this guide, you’ll learn how Brown’s superscore policy works, what scores you should aim for on the SAT and ACT, and how to maximize your testing strategy.

• Does Brown Superscore the SAT/ACT?
• Brown University SAT/ACT Requirements
• How to Use Brown Superscore Policy to Your Advantage
• How to Get a Competitive SAT/ACT Score for Brown
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

Does Brown Superscore the SAT/ACT?

According to Brown University’s testing policy, they superscore both the SAT and the ACT. This means Brown looks at your highest section scores across multiple test dates and combines them to create your best possible total score.

What does superscoring look like?

Let’s break down how Brown’s superscoring policy works. Let’s begin with superscoring the SAT:

Let’s say you did well in Math on the March test, but nailed the Reading and Writing section in June. Brown doesn’t make you choose. Instead, they take your highest section scores—750 in both Math and Reading and Writing—even though they occurred on different dates.

That gives you a superscore of 1500, which is 20 points higher than your best single test day. This kind of boost can make a real difference when applying to selective schools.

A similar superscoring policy applies to the ACT as well. Brown also superscores the ACT by combining your highest section scores across different test dates to calculate a new, higher composite score:

Here, Brown takes your best section scores—33 in English, 32 in Math, 31 in Reading, and 27 in Science—from across both test dates. They then average those to calculate a new composite score: 31. That’s two points higher than your April composite and one point above your June result, which could give your application a meaningful edge.

Brown University SAT/ACT Requirements

Now that you know the answer to the question “Does Brown superscore?” (they do!), the next step is understanding what scores to aim for. This is especially important since they have now reinstated their testing requirement.

Brown SAT scores

First, let’s break down the typical SAT scores of admitted students, based on Brown’s latest Common Data Set:

Scoring in the middle 50% range (1510–1560) puts you in the competitive zone. That’s where most accepted students land, so hitting at least a 1540 (50th percentile) composite gives you a solid shot.

If you score 1560 or higher, you’re in the top tier, which can help your application stand out. If your SAT composite is below 1510, you’re in the bottom 25% of admitted students, so you’ll need to stand out in other areas of your application, like your essays or extracurriculars.

Take note of how high the Math and EBRW scores are. Brown expects strength across both sections, so aim for balance unless one section is significantly stronger for you. And don’t forget: thanks to superscoring, you can focus on improving just one section at a time if needed.

Brown ACT scores

Now, here are the ACT scores admitted students had, so you know exactly what to aim for:

As you can see, the ACT numbers are just as competitive. A composite score of 34 puts you at the lower edge of the typical range, so aim for 35 or higher to match the average admitted student.

The individual section scores show how important consistency is, as admitted students are hitting 35 and 36 in English, Reading, and Science. Math is more flexible, but a 35 there, too, puts you in the top 25%. If your scores are uneven across sections, take advantage of superscoring by retaking the ACT and focusing on your weaker areas.

How to Use Brown Superscore Policy to Your Advantage

Now that you know Brown superscores both the SAT and ACT, you can use this when planning your testing strategy. Let’s break down some clever ways you can approach the SAT and ACT and make the most of this policy:

1. Take the SAT and/or ACT more than once.

One of the best moves you can make is to take the SAT and/or ACT at least twice. Each time you test, you get a new shot at improving your scores. Even if you only do better in one section, Brown will combine your highest section scores across all test dates; that’s the magic of superscoring.

You don’t have to nail everything perfectly the first time. Think of your first test as a practice run that still counts. When you retake it, you can focus on fixing your weaker sections and increasing your overall score.

2. Focus on one section at a time.

Maybe your SAT Math score is already solid, but your Reading and Writing (or English and Science on the ACT) could use some work. That’s your signal to zero in on those areas for your next test.

Spend time reviewing the topics and skills where you can improve, whether it’s grammar, reading comprehension, or science reasoning. Working on one section at a time boosts that score without worrying about losing ground in your stronger areas. Because Brown superscores, your best section scores from all your tests will be combined.

3. Send all your scores.

Brown wants you to send every SAT and ACT score you have. They’ll automatically pick the highest section scores to create your superscore, so you don’t have to stress which test dates look better.

By sending all your scores, you show Brown the complete picture of how you’ve improved. It also shows you’re serious about getting better and willing to work. Just keep an eye on testing deadlines to make sure all your scores arrive on time.

4. Use superscoring to show steady growth.

Superscoring is especially helpful if you’re the student who gets better with practice. Colleges will notice an upward trend if you start strong in one area and gradually improve the other. Brown values persistence, and this is a great way to highlight yours.

Colleges want to see your best, not your average. Use superscoring to your advantage by playing to your strengths over time. When you plan your test strategy around steady growth, you’ll confidently walk into each test.

How to Get a Competitive SAT/ACT Score for Brown

If you want to give yourself a real shot at Brown, aim to score within—or above—the middle 50% range. For the SAT, that means a total score between 1510 and 1560 (ideally closer to 1560). For the ACT, you’re looking at a composite score between 34 and 35, with 35 as the target.

Here’s how to set yourself up to reach those scores:

1. Start with a full practice test.

Take a full-length SAT or ACT practice test early on to see where you stand. This will give you a clear picture of which sections you’re crushing and which could use extra work. Focusing your prep on your weaker areas is smarter than studying everything simultaneously.

2. Use official SAT practice materials.

For the SAT, stick to the College Board’s official practice tests and questions. For the ACT, head to ACT.org for official prep resources. These materials match what you’ll see on test day, so there won’t be any surprises. Plus, they help you get a real feel for each test’s pacing and question style.

3. Try free prep tools online.

You don’t need to spend big bucks to prep smart. Khan Academy offers free, personalized SAT prep that adapts to your skill level and tracks your progress. For the ACT, check out free resources like ACT Academy. These tools are fantastic for brushing up on concepts and building confidence without spending a dime.

4. Practice pacing yourself.

One of the trickiest parts of both the SAT and ACT is finishing each section on time. Every second counts, and pacing can make or break your score. Let’s break down how much time you get on each exam so you can train like a pro.

The SAT is 2 hours and 14 minutes long. Here’s how the SAT time and question load look:

So, you get just over a minute per Reading and Writing question, and a little more time for Math. It’s not super rushed, but you’ll need to stay focused and keep an eye on the clock, especially when a question trips you up. 

Now let’s talk ACT. This test is longer, about 2 hours and 55 minutes. What makes the ACT trickier is how fast you have to move, especially in the English section. Check out the ACT timing below:

The ACT doesn’t give you much breathing room; some questions come at you fast, especially in English, where you’ve got less than 40 seconds per question.

The best way to prep? Run complete practice sections with a timer to train your brain to think quickly and efficiently. Speed plus accuracy is the name of the game here.

5. Consider a tutor or prep class if you need extra help.

If studying alone feels overwhelming or you just want expert guidance, a tutor or class can make a big difference. They’ll help you break down tricky topics and create a study plan that fits your schedule. Having someone to keep you motivated can boost your progress.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Brown test-optional?

Brown is no longer test-optional. Starting with the 2024–25 admission cycle, SAT or ACT scores are required for first-year applicants, though no minimum scores are needed. Brown does not require the SAT Essay, ACT Writing, or (starting spring 2025) the ACT Science section.

2. Does Brown have a superscoring policy?

Yes, Brown superscores both the SAT and ACT. They combine your highest section scores from different test dates to create your best possible composite. So if you do great in Math one time and Reading another, Brown will use those top scores to boost your application.

3. What is Brown’s minimum SAT score?

Brown doesn’t set a minimum SAT score, but aiming high is your best move. Most admitted students score between 1510 and 1560, so anything under 1510 could make things tougher unless the rest of your application stands out. If you’re hitting around 1560, you’re in a solid range.

4. What is Brown’s minimum ACT score?

There’s no official minimum ACT score for Brown, but most admitted students score between 34 and 35. If your ACT is below 34, it might hurt your chances unless you’ve got other standout achievements. A 35 puts you right in the sweet spot.

Takeaways

• Does Brown superscore? Yes, to both the SAT and ACT. Brown combines your best section scores from different test dates to create your highest possible composite.
• Focus on improving one section at a time because Brown will use your highest scores from each part across all tests you send.
• To land in the middle 50% of admitted students, aim for a competitive SAT score between 1510 and 1560. 
• A strong ACT composite score falls between 34 and 35 for Brown’s middle 50%. 
• Need help hitting Brown’s SAT/ACT score goals? A college admissions expert can show you how to prep smart, use superscoring to your advantage, and get your application noticed!