Does Yale Superscore the ACT? What You Need to Know

If you’re thinking of applying to Yale University, you might be wondering: “Does Yale superscore the ACT?” The short answer is yes: Yale superscores the ACT. They take your highest section scores from different test dates and combine them to form your best possible composite score. This policy can benefit you, but only if you know how to make the most of it.

In this blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Yale’s superscoring and testing policies. Plus, we’ll share practical tips to help you maximize your superscore and strengthen your overall application.

• What Is an ACT Superscore? 
• Yale University ACT Requirements 
• How to Use Yale’s Superscore Policy to Your Advantage
• How to Get a Competitive ACT Score for Yale
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

What Is an ACT Superscore?

Your ACT superscore is the average of your best scores from each subject from different test dates. Colleges like Yale implement superscoring so you can highlight your strongest performance in each subject.

For example, let’s say you took the ACT twice. Each time, you’ll receive a score between 1 and 36 for each section. These section scores are then averaged to determine your overall composite score.

Since your performance may vary across different test dates, superscoring allows you to combine your highest section scores from multiple attempts to create your best possible composite score.

To illustrate:

Let’s break it down: 32 (English) + 34 (Reading) + 35 (Math) + 36 (Science) = 137 divided by 4 = 34.25 rounded off to a score of 34. If Yale didn’t superscore, your score would be 32 on the first test and 33 on the second test, which are both lower than your superscore.

Superscoring vs Score Choice

Score Choice has long been available for the ACT. In the past, sending scores to colleges meant submitting every test score you had. With Score Choice, you can select which test dates’ scores to send to colleges.

But how exactly is Score Choice different from superscoring?

• Superscoring. Yale combines your highest individual section scores from multiple test dates to create your best score.
• Score Choice. You choose which full test dates to send to Yale, aligning with their test-flexible policy.

Let’s compare the two using the same example as above:

With Score Choice, you could only send the scores from your 2nd ACT, since it has a higher composite score of 33. With superscoring, however, Yale takes the best English (32), Reading (34), and Science (36) scores from the second test and the best Math (35) from the first test to get a superscore of 34.

A 34 superscore is better than your first, second, and even your Score Choice score of 33, which is what makes superscoring so advantageous. Think of it like an All-Star basketball team, where only the best players from different teams are selected.

In short, superscoring allows you to showcase your best performance in each section, even if no one test date was perfect. The more test data Yale has, the better chance you have of demonstrating your strongest possible performance.

Yale University ACT Requirements

After four years of being test-optional, Yale has resumed requiring applicants to submit test scores starting in the 2024-2025 admission cycle. But there’s a slight change. Yale is now much more flexible on tests, meaning they give you the freedom to choose which tests to include in your application, such as:

• ACT
• Advanced Placement (AP)
• International Baccalaureate (IB)
• SAT

If you’re using AP or IB scores to fulfill the requirement, you should submit all subject exam results taken before applying. If you’re submitting ACT or SAT scores instead, you can also choose to include any AP or IB scores you’d like.

In their words, this new test-flexible policy is designed to empower you to “put your best foot forward.” And with a highly selective school like Yale, every step counts.

Now, Yale doesn’t have a strict minimum ACT score requirement, but high scores can definitely help your application stand out. If you’re submitting your ACT scores, aim for the following ranges based on how admitted students performed in Yale’s 2024-2025 Common Data Set:

This means that most admitted students score above 33, and if you want to be more competitive, shooting for a 35 or higher could be super beneficial.

Keep in mind, a high ACT score isn’t the only factor Yale looks for when making admission decisions. But it can strengthen your application and boost your chances of acceptance, especially if other areas like your GPA or extracurricular activities are a little weak. If you’re not happy with your current score, superscoring can help improve your overall ACT performance.

How to Use Yale’s Superscore Policy to Your Advantage

Now that you know Yale superscores the ACT, here’s what you can do to make the most of it:

1. Take the ACT twice or thrice.

If you’re dead serious about getting into Yale, taking the ACT more than once can help your case. Since Yale superscores, they’ll take your highest scores across multiple test dates, so you have another chance to improve if one test didn’t go the way you liked.

Consider taking your first ACT during the spring of your junior year. This way, you’ll have time to retake it in the fall of your senior year if needed, giving you more time to raise your score before application deadlines.

2. Focus on one section at a time.

Instead of trying to improve your scores across every section all at once, focus on one section at a time. For example, if your Math score is already great but your Reading and Writing could use some work, concentrate on improving your Reading and Writing score before your next test.

By targeting your weaker section, you’ll have a better chance of seeing improvement. When you retake the ACT, the section you’ve worked on will likely show better results, boosting your superscore.

3. Send all your ACT scores.

Since Yale superscores, they’ll automatically combine your best section scores from all test dates into the highest possible superscore. Even if one test wasn’t your best, it’s not going to hurt your chances, as only your highest section scores will count.

You might be worried about sending lower scores, but it’s really okay! If a particular test wasn’t all that good, Yale won’t consider it. They’ll only look at your best performance.

4. Don’t stress too much over a low score.

A low score on one test doesn’t mean you’re out of the competition. Thanks to superscoring, a weak performance on one test won’t hurt your application if you improve later. This takes a lot of pressure off, as you don’t have to be perfect every time. Just focus on improving!

Got a bad test day? Brush it off and prepare for the next one. Keep practicing, use official ACT prep materials, and go into the next test with much more confidence.

How to Get a Competitive ACT Score for Yale

To get your best possible shot at getting into Yale, strive for an ACT score in or above the middle 50% range (34-35). A high score can help strengthen your application, especially if other areas aren’t as strong as you’d like.

1. Start with a diagnostic test.

Start by taking a full-length practice ACT to know where you stand. This will help you identify your strengths and weaknesses so you can focus your study time on the areas that need the most improvement.

2. Use official ACT prep materials.

The best way to prepare for the ACT is by using official ACT practice tests. These tests reflect the real exam format and difficulty, so practicing with them will give you an accurate sense of what to expect.

3. Hire a tutor or join a prep class.

If you’re having trouble improving on your own, consider working with a tutor or enrolling in a prep class. Tutors can offer personalized help, while prep classes provide structure and expert guidance to keep you on track.

4. Master time management.

You might find finishing the ACT on time a challenge. To improve your pacing, practice taking full-length timed tests and learn when to speed up or slow down. The more you practice under timed conditions, the more comfortable and confident you’ll feel on test day.

Try using a stopwatch during practice sessions to simulate real test conditions and build endurance.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does Yale accept ACT superscores?

Yes, Yale considers your ACT superscore. They’ll review your highest section scores across multiple test dates to calculate your best possible ACT composite score.

2. Is Yale test-optional?

Yale is no longer test-optional. Starting in the 2024-2025 cycle, students are now required to submit test scores as part of their application. That said, Yale now has a test-flexible policy, which allows you to submit the ACT, SAT, AP, or IB scores that best highlight your strengths.

3. Should I submit a 33 ACT to Yale?

Yes, a 33 ACT score is in Yale’s 25th percentile, meaning you scored higher than 25% of test-takers. While it’s on the lower end of admitted students, it can still be competitive, especially if other aspects of your application, like your GPA, letters of recommendation, and essays, are strong. If you’re still unsatisfied, know you can always retake the test and aim for a higher score.

Takeaways

• Yale superscores the ACT, so you can take the test multiple times and only your best section scores will count.
• Aim for an ACT score between 33 and 34 to be competitive for Yale. A score of 35 or higher is even better.
• A low score on one test won’t hurt you if you improve on a later test, so try not to stress over a bad test day.
• If you need help with your Yale application, consider working with a college admissions consultant to help you understand your test scores, strengthen your overall application, and get you closer to your dream school.