According to the blog, College Planning and Test Prep Made Easy, "how schools determine what is your best score will differ. Some universities use your single test date best. Others “superscore”, taking the highest SAT Reading, Math, and Writing scores even if they come from three different test dates. Most colleges do not “superscore” the ACT at this time, but that is a hot topic in admissions."
"Superscoring" seems to be another word for grading on the curve in my way of thinking. There is no way one can say any two exam versions are exactly equivalent in testing a students' ability to be a critical thinker, mathematician, problem solver, scientist, or English savant.
It seems to me the ideal method for admissions would be to take the best total score for a given day in all fairness since various parts of each type of entrance exam will be more or less difficult depending on the specific test a student is given. In other words, the math section might be a little more challenging on version A, but the English is a little less challenging on version A. Likewise, on a second attempt (version B), both parts might be a little more challenging, thus a lower overall score.
The bottom line is, don't keep retaking any exam without getting substantial help from a test prep coach like Academics Upward Tutoring before you attempt your first exam and again if you wish to retake the exam. I am running a 20% discount on all test prep contracts through the 10th of June for all you prospective college or graduate students.
Blessings,
Dr. Linda B. Greer
Serving Upstate SC since 2005
Biz Phone: 864-542-7622
