Does UPenn Superscore? Everything You Need to Know

Does UPenn superscore the SAT or ACT? Yes, UPenn does superscore both tests, meaning they combine your highest section scores from multiple test dates to create your best possible overall score. 

In this blog, we’ll explain exactly how UPenn superscores the SAT and ACT, what scores you should aim for, and strategies to use superscoring to boost your application. 

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

Does UPenn Superscore the SAT/ACT?

According to UPenn’s official testing policy, UPenn does superscore both the SAT and the ACT. This allows you to show your best possible scores across multiple test dates.

How does UPenn superscore the SAT?

UPenn combines your top EBRW and Math scores, even if they happened on different test days. This means you do not need to have your best day simultaneously. Here’s what a SAT superscore might look like:

In this example, you scored 700 in EBRW and 730 in Math in March. In May, you got a 740 in ERW and 700 in Math. UPenn will take the 740 from May and the 730 from March to create a superscore of 1470.

This is 30 points higher than your best single test day. That boost could put you in a more competitive position when applying. It shows the admissions team your top performance in each section, no matter when it happened.

How does UPenn superscore the ACT?

For the ACT, UPenn uses your highest English, Math, and Reading scores to build a new composite score. Science is not required, so that you can ignore that section. Here’s what ACT superscoring might look like:

Here, your best test-day composite was a 30 from June. But when UPenn combines your top section scores of 33 in English, 31 in Math, and 30 in Reading, your superscore becomes a 31.

That extra point matters. Even slight differences in ACT scores can help you stand out in a large pool of applicants. Superscoring rewards improvement over time. You do not need to do everything right on one test date; keep getting better wherever possible.

UPenn SAT/ACT Requirements

For the 2025–26 application cycle, UPenn requires all applicants to submit either the SAT or the ACT. This includes first-year, international, homeschooled, transfer, and QuestBridge applicants. If you have a severe hardship that makes it difficult to take the test, you can request a waiver, but that is the only exception.

So, if you plan to apply to UPenn, you must submit test scores unless you qualify for a waiver. A strong score can help your application stand out in a competitive pool, especially since UPenn is one of the few Ivies currently not test-optional.

Let’s look at what kinds of scores admitted students are submitting.

UPenn SAT scores

Here are the middle 50 percent SAT scores for students admitted to UPenn for the Class of 2027. This range gives you an idea of where most accepted applicants scored:

If your SAT total score is around 1500, you are at the lower end of the typical admitted student range. Getting a 1540 puts you right in the middle, and scoring 1570 or higher places you in the top 25 percent. That top range gives you a stronger shot, especially if other parts of your application are just as competitive.

You will also notice that UPenn expects extreme Math scores. A 790 at the 50th percentile and an 800 at the 75th percentile means most admitted students are nearly perfect in Math. Try to keep your Reading and Math scores balanced, but do not be surprised if Math weighs a little more.

Thanks to UPenn’s superscoring policy, you can work on boosting one section at a time. If you score high in math but want to improve your reading, take the test again and just focus on that. UPenn will combine your best section scores.

UPenn ACT scores

Here is what ACT scores typically look like for admitted students at UPenn:

Most admitted students scored between 34 and 36 on every section. A composite of 34 puts you at the lower end of the typical range, while a score of 35 is average. We recommend aiming for a 35. Since UPenn superscores the ACT, you can retake the test and focus on the sections you want to improve.

For example, if you scored a 36 in Reading but a 33 in Math, you can retake the ACT and focus just on Math. UPenn will keep your highest section scores and calculate a new composite based on those. Science is not required, but it is still factored in if you submit it, so a strong performance there can also help.

Remember that when applying to a school as selective as UPenn, these scores are only one part of the equation. But if you are in or above the middle 50 percent range, your scores will support the rest of your application and help you stand out.

How to Use UPenn Superscore Policy to Your Advantage

UPenn uses superscoring for both the SAT and ACT, which means they look at your highest scores across all test dates. You get credit for your best section scores, even if they happened on different days. This policy helps take the pressure off needing a perfect score in one sitting.

1. Take the test more than once and build your score over time.

Try to take the SAT or ACT at least twice, once in the spring of your junior year and again early in your senior year. Your first test can help you figure out which sections need improvement. The second one lets you focus and raise your score where it counts.

You do not need to ace everything at once. Superscoring means your best reading and math scores can come from different test dates. That gives you more chances to improve and show UPenn your full potential.

If your first test goes great in one section but not the other, that is okay. Just make sure you plan so you have time to retake the test before application deadlines. Each test you take becomes another opportunity to improve your score.

2. Focus on one section at a time and level up.

You might already have a strong Math score, but your Reading score needs a boost. Instead of studying everything again, spend your prep time on the section that needs the most work. This focused approach helps you make the most significant gains.

Start by reviewing your past score reports or taking a timed practice test. Figure out exactly where you are losing points and make a plan to improve. For example, if you run out of time on reading passages, practice timed drills, and work on pacing.

Use prep books, online tools, or tutoring focusing on your weaker section. Stick to a schedule that puts most of your energy into that area while keeping your strengths sharp. Over time, your weak section strengthens and helps your superscore rise.

3. Send all your scores so UPenn can create your best composite.

UPenn encourages you to send all your SAT or ACT scores. They will automatically choose the highest scores from each section, so you do not need to stress which test date looks best. Superscoring helps your overall score even if each test had ups and downs.

By sending everything, you give UPenn more to work with. They will see your effort, growth, and top scores, all of which help your application. Just double-check the deadlines and make sure you request your score reports in time.

How to Get a Competitive SAT/ACT Score for UPenn

UPenn is among the most selective schools, so your scores must be in the top range. Aim for a SAT score of 1570 or an ACT score of 35. These scores will help your application stand out in a very competitive pool.

1. Take a full practice test to get your starting score.

Start by taking a full, timed SAT or ACT practice test to see where you are. This gives you a clear picture of your strengths and what needs work. You will also get used to the test format and how long each section feels.

Knowing your baseline helps you set a realistic goal. For example, if your first SAT score is a 1380, you can create a plan to push it toward 1500. Without a starting score, you are guessing at what to study.

2. Use official materials to study smarter.

Stick to test prep from the College Board for the SAT and ACT.org for the ACT. These sites give you access to real questions from past exams, which match what you will see on test day. Practicing with official questions helps you avoid surprises and builds confidence.

Other prep books can be helpful, but nothing beats the real thing. If you practice with made-up questions, you risk learning the wrong formats. Use the best tools so your effort pays off.

3. Try free online resources that guide your progress.

Khan Academy is perfect for SAT prep and connects directly to your College Board account. It gives you personalized practice and helps you focus on the exact areas where you need help. If you are studying for the ACT, use ACT Academy and free tools from ACT.org.

You do not have to spend money to get quality prep. These free tools adjust to your level and track your progress over time. They are also great if you like short lessons or learning in small chunks.

4. Get used to the timing so you can finish every section.

Timing greatly affects how well you do on the SAT and ACT. Knowing exactly how much time you have for each section and question helps you avoid rushing or running out of time. Let’s break down the timing so you can practice smart and build confidence before test day:

The SAT is 2 hours and 14 minutes long, split between Reading and Writing, and Math sections. Knowing how much time you have for each question helps you stay on track and avoid running out of time.

The SAT gives you about 1 minute and 11 seconds for each Reading and Writing question and about 1 minute and 35 seconds for each Math question. That might feel comfortable at first, but every second matters when you are in the test room.

If one question takes longer than the time you have, you will have to rush or guess on other questions, so pacing yourself is key to finishing all questions confidently.

For the ACT, it’s 2 hours and 55 minutes long without the optional writing section, which includes English, Math, Reading, and Science tests with tight timing.

On the ACT, you only get around 36 seconds for each English question, which is much faster than the SAT. Math questions give you about 1 minute each, while Reading and Science questions allow just under a minute per question.

Because the timing is tighter, especially in English, you must stay sharp and avoid getting stuck. Learning to move quickly without sacrificing accuracy will help you maximize your score.

5. Ask for help if you feel stuck.

If your score is not improving or you do not know what to do next, a tutor or test prep class can help. A tutor can explain challenging concepts, fix mistakes you keep making, and give you a plan that fits your style. You do not have to figure it out alone.

A prep class is also a good option if you learn better in groups or need structure. You will stay on schedule and learn strategies that have worked for other students. Getting the right help can be a game-changer when aiming for a top score at UPenn.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does UPenn superscore the SAT and ACT?

Yes, UPenn superscores both the SAT and ACT. That means they combine your highest section scores across all your test dates to give you the best possible overall score. So if you do well on math one day and crush reading on another, UPenn will put those top scores together for you.

2. Is UPenn test-optional?

No, UPenn requires you to submit either SAT or ACT scores for the 2025–26 application cycle. They are not test-optional right now, so you must send your scores unless you qualify for a special waiver because of a severe hardship. This means you should plan to take the test and aim for a strong score to stay competitive.

3. What is the minimum SAT/ACT score to get into UPenn?

There is no official minimum score, but you want to aim around the 75th percentile to have a strong chance. For the SAT, that means scoring about 1570 or higher. For the ACT, shooting for a composite score of 35 will put you in that top group. These scores show UPenn that you are ready for their challenging academics and help your application stand out.

Takeaways

• You can boost your UPenn application score by using superscoring, where they pick your best section scores from different test days to create your highest possible total.
• Aim for an SAT score of around 1570 or an ACT composite score of 35 because those are the scores in the 75th percentile that UPenn loves to see.
• Focus on improving one test section at a time and take the test multiple times so UPenn can combine your best parts for a higher superscore.
• Send all your SAT or ACT scores to UPenn so they can build your strongest composite score and showcase your best work.
• Need help hitting UPenn’s SAT/ACT score goals? A college admissions expert can help you maximize your superscore potential, focus your prep on the right sections, and boost your chances of admission with a personalized plan that works for you.