As the college application season approaches, students are having more interest in the specifics of the application materials. Among the questions they ask, there is one that is brought up constantly: “Can you superscore digital and paper SAT?”
The question stems from the fact that the SAT has transitioned to a digital version in recent years. Students in the class of 2025 were in the midst of this transition, therefore possibly having scores from both paper and digital SAT. These students are left wondering if SAT superscoring will still be allowed across the two different types of exams.
What is SAT Superscoring?
First, let’s understand what SAT superscoring means. According to the College Board blog, superscoring is a policy that some colleges follow in which they use your best section-level scores, even if they are from different tests. In other words, the colleges will take the highest section scores across multiple testing dates and combine them to create a new, higher composite score.
For example, let’s say a student scored 700 on Reading & Writing and 750 on Math on a December 2023 test. The student took another test on March 2024 and received 750 on Reading & Writing and 700 on Math. The student will submit the scores from both test dates and the college will consider the student’s total score as 1500, which is the sum of the higher scores on each section, 750 on Reading & Writing and 750 on Math. This can make up for the possibility of underperforming in a given section for students and give them an opportunity to show their best performance in their college applications.
What May Affect this Tradition?
As mentioned above, the College Board began offering the SAT in a digital format since 2023 and the test has officially gone digital across the globe beginning March 2024. This move aimed to provide more flexibility and accessibility to students, allowing them to take the test on a computer. The shift also involved shorter testing time and more simplified question styles, further benefitting the students. Considering this change in the format, it’s natural that students question whether superscoring will be allowed between the two versions of the exam.
Can You Superscore Digital and Paper SAT?
So, do colleges accept superscoring across both the digital and paper versions of the SAT?
The answer to this question ultimately depends on the individual college or university. Generally, the colleges are likely to superscore digital and paper SAT if they have traditionally allowed superscoring. For students’ reference, some of the popular institutions that have allowed superscoring before the transition include Harvard, Yale, Columbia, Stanford, MIT, UPenn, Georgia Tech, New York University, University of Chicago, Notre Dame, and Vanderbilt. However, it’s best for students to look for updates on the superscoring policies of the colleges or universities to which they plan to apply.
Should I Take the Digital SAT?
Many students have expressed their generally higher comfort level towards the digital SAT compared to the older version of the SAT. The new SAT indeed is designed to lighten the load for students with shorter testing time, shorter passages and more straightforward questions. Although the digitalized format may require students some time to get used to, it may be worth trying the test to see if you find the changes suited for you. Especially, if you feel your paper SAT score did not fully represent your abilities, definitely consider taking the digital SAT. You may be surprised by your newfound potential!
Conclusion
With the transition to the Digital SAT, students may have questions regarding colleges’ updated policies on accepting students’ scores. The question of whether colleges will superscore across digital and paper SAT tests will have varying answers depending on the institution. For this reason, students need to thoroughly research the superscoring policies of each college to plan out their testing schedules accordingly. However, whether or not the colleges you are interested accepts superscoring, it may be worthwhile to take the digital SAT if you haven’t done so yet. It’s because the student-friendly nature of the exam is likely to be an advantage for many students.
Want to Get a High Digital SAT Score?
If you have decided to take the digital SAT, now it’s time to prepare! Take our 10+ digital SAT practice tests to experience the digital testing environment. With every test, you will be able to enhance your test-taking skills that will help you boost your score on the real test.