Portal ACT score reporting

[StarSon2028]

Hi, everyone. I've been a long-time reader in these parts, first time poster.

I'm a bit confused by the way the portal reflects reported ACT scores. Any help would be appreciated!

My 2028 candidate recently completed his PCQ/ SLE application and sent his ACT super-score to USMA. In the portal, there are now two entries under "ACT Score we have on file for you."

The first contains the super scores DS self-reported, followed by: (PCQ).

The second entry contains DS's scores from the most recent test taken, followed by: (Official). This is not his super score.

That "official" designation leaves the impression that the scores DS self-reported on the PCQ are not confirmed/ official. Can anyone clarify how super scores will show up in the portal since they are drawn from several test dates?

Also, ACT confirms we sent the superscore.

Thanks!

 

[davy1dave]

Don't send superscores. The SA typically won't accept them. They have their own way of compiling their superscore. You need to send each test on its own. And unless they score a 35 or 36, I highly encourage your child to take the ACT multiple times.

Now that being said, even if you send the scores over per test, follow up 3-4 weeks later and make sure they are uploaded. They don't always automatically update and they have to go in and manually plug them in when that happens. But they won't know to check unless you let them know.

 

[A1Janitor]

My son sent his test scores to USNA. His portal reflected the scores sent in by the third party. When discussing something at admissions as a mid, they told him his superscore.

So at least for USNA - they superscored it.

 

[99Gold]

I do think that the superscore report could be the issue. I seem to remember instructions not to send superscore reports from one of the academies when my older son applied 2 years ago but I'm not sure which one. My ds who is also applying for 2028 has each of his scores listed separately by date.

Whenever we've sent reports to the SAs, we click on "send all scores" even if they have the previous scores. The SA will superscore themselves and will not count any of the lower scores against the candidate. In fact, sending in my DS's lowest SAT score resulted in a 40 point boost to his USAFA app because of they way they superscore. It is early in the process for 2028 so you could wait until he has another score to send (if he's planning on retesting) and then send those all at once. Those score send fees add up.

 

[StarSon2028]

Looks like DS needs to send all scores. Thanks to each of you!

@davy1dave Thanks for the heads up on ensuring the scores update in the portal. We will ensure the scores are updated.

 

[DrMom]

Send all scores, USMA creates the super score.

 

[Academician]

Just as a quick reminder, USMA also requires ACT writing so I assume you son has taken it. I have to remind my students all the time about this one difference as the other SAs do not require this testing. Plus, you can it avoid it all together if you simply take that SAT. Best of luck to your son!

 

[StarSon2028]

So, I read the application guide and noticed that the ACT writing section is required. However, in the candidate portal, where ACT scores are submitted, the ACT writing section is "optional." DS will follow up with admissions and I'll update.

 

[99Gold]

So, I read the application guide and noticed that the ACT writing section is required. However, in the candidate portal, where ACT scores are submitted, the ACT writing section is "optional." DS will follow up with admissions and I'll update.

I think it is optional in that reporting section because once you take the writing section on the ACT, you aren't required to take it again on subsequent ACTs.