The act superscore policy is shifting. From April 2025 for online testers and from September 2025 for all testers, the superscore composite will use English, Math, and Reading only. Science still appears on reports but does not count in the composite. Educators must know how to explain this and how to send superscore results clearly.
Find checklists and templates in the ACT Prep Resource Hub for Educators.
April and September 2025 shift
April 2025 begins the change for online national testers. September 2025 makes it standard for paper, online, and international. The superscore composite now averages the best English, Math, and Reading across test dates. Science remains visible for context and STEM signaling. Teach students that even one section jump can lift the superscore.
See related timelines in the cluster here: Score Release.
For Educational Institutions: An AI System to 3X Your Revenue
Generate leads and improve conversions, while reducing operational overheads - with VEGA AI
What colleges receive under the new superscore policy
Colleges see section scores for English, Math, Reading, optional Science, and optional Writing, plus the EMR based superscore composite when sent. Strong Science can still help a STEM narrative even if it does not lift the composite. Writing remains a separate data point that some programs value.
For broader context on testing choices, compare formats here: ACT vs SAT.
Reporting and talking points for families
When you send superscore, explain that it pulls a student’s best EMR scores from different dates. Show how to target the next retake with EMR skill tags, then verify gains with a quick mock. Give families a script for what admissions will see and why EMR focus matters.
Save weeks of manual work—generate complete syllabus, question banks, and assessments in minutes with VEGA AI.
The move to an EMR based superscore composite changes how results are calculated and explained. Keep guidance simple. Confirm which sections count, show what colleges receive, and help students plan targeted retakes. Clear reporting and focused practice will make the 2025 to 2026 cycle easier for families and your team.
