Can you superscore digital and paper SAT scores together?
Can you superscore digital and paper SAT scores together? I have scores from both formats and want to know whether colleges will combine my best Reading and Writing and Math sections across tests.
Often yes, but only if the college superscores the SAT and does not restrict mixing formats. College Board reports your scores; each college decides whether to combine your highest section scores across test dates, and whether paper and digital sittings can be mixed.
Many colleges that superscore the SAT combine your highest section scores across test dates. Whether they also combine paper and digital SAT sections depends on the institution's admissions policy. Some schools allow mixing formats. Others allow superscoring only within the same format. Princeton, for example, states that it does not superscore between the paper test and the digital test.
Section names also differ by format: digital SAT scores report Reading and Writing (formerly Evidence-Based Reading and Writing on the paper SAT) plus Math.
College Board explains that many colleges consider a student's highest section scores across multiple SAT administrations, but each institution decides how superscoring works and whether paper and digital scores can be combined. Some schools want all scores sent; others allow Score Choice. Always check the admissions testing page for each school on your list.
If a college superscores, sending both test dates may help maximize your highest combined score. If you're unsure, review the school's score-reporting policy before choosing which scores to send.
If you are deciding whether to retest on the digital SAT, a few format differences matter for prep:
- Reading and Writing passages are shorter than on the old paper test
- A calculator is allowed for the entire Math section
- A built-in graphing tool (Desmos) is available in the digital testing app
Those differences suit some students better than others, so practice with official digital materials before you assume a higher score. In the U.S., the digital SAT is now the standard administration for most students. For score context by college goals, see what is a good SAT score.
Bottom line: Mixing paper and digital SAT sections is common at superscoring colleges, but it is not universal. Confirm each college's superscoring policy before assuming it will combine paper and digital SAT sections.
The answers are generated with AI and reviewed by the EDsmart editorial team before publication.
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