Superscore Strategy: Boost the 680-Math Gap or Polish a 720-Reading Edge?

If you're deciding whether to focus on improving your 680 SAT Math score or your 720 SAT Reading score, here's the key takeaway: focus on Math if you're aiming for the biggest composite score boost. Here's why:

• Math (680): Improving your Math score has more room for percentile growth. A jump from 680 to 720 moves you from the 89th to the 93rd percentile, which can significantly impact your superscore. Math improvements are also more targeted, as specific skills (like functions, equations, and ratios) make up the majority of the test.

• Reading (720): With a 720, you're already in the top 3–5% of test-takers. Further improvements (e.g., to 770 or 800) yield smaller percentile gains and require more time due to the complexity of the Reading section.

Quick Comparison

Bottom Line:

• Prioritize Math: It offers more room for growth and a bigger impact on your composite score, especially for STEM programs or scholarships.

• Consider Reading: If you're targeting liberal arts schools or already have a strong Math score.

Tailor your strategy to your goals, available prep time, and target schools' superscoring policies.

1. Improving a 680 Math Score

Percentile Jump Potential

Scoring 680 in SAT Math places you in about the 89th percentile - a strong position, but there's room to climb. For instance, raising your score to 700 bumps you up to the 91st percentile, while a 720 lands you around the 93rd percentile. A 740 pushes you into the 94th to 96th percentile range. Interestingly, percentile gains tend to slow as scores increase. For example, the difference between a composite score of 1450 and 1600 translates to just a 4-percentile jump, even though the point difference is significant.

Time Investment ROI

Focusing your study efforts on the math section can yield big returns, especially if you're aiming for competitive colleges. With intentional preparation, you can make meaningful progress. Did you know that nine core skills account for 67% of the SAT Math test? Mastering these can make a huge difference. For students pursuing STEM fields, a top-tier math score is often non-negotiable. Schools like MIT, Harvard, and Princeton expect exceptional performance - MIT’s 25th percentile math score is a staggering 780, and an 800 is the norm for competitive applicants. While jumping from a 680 to elite levels requires dedication, even incremental improvements of 20 points bring you closer to standing out.

Skill Development Focus

Rather than spreading yourself thin trying to learn every math concept, zero in on the areas that matter most. High-impact topics like linear and exponential functions, triangles and polygons, single-variable equations, quadratic equations, and ratios and proportions make up more than half of the math section.

Allen Cheng offers this advice:

"You need to understand where you're falling short, and target those weaknesses consistently. You also need to be thoughtful about your mistakes and leave no mistake ignored." - Allen Cheng

Another tip? Practice solving problems without a calculator, even on calculator-allowed sections. This can sharpen your mental math skills and boost your confidence, helping you solve problems more efficiently during the test.

Superscore Impact

If you're aiming to improve your composite score through superscoring, your 680 Math score is a prime candidate for improvement. For example, raising your math score from 680 to 720 can lift your composite score from 1400 to 1440. A jump to 740 could boost it to 1460. Math is particularly responsive to targeted preparation - unlike the reading section, which often demands broader skill development, math improvements can be achieved by mastering specific problem types and formulas. This makes the math section a strategic focal point for boosting your overall score. With this approach, you can optimize your composite score as part of a broader test-prep strategy. Next, we’ll explore ways to build on your already strong Reading score.

The Complete Guide to Superscoring on the SAT and ACT

2. Improving a 720 Reading Score

Now that we’ve shifted focus from Math, let’s dive into what it takes to push your Reading score even higher.

Percentile Jump Potential

A 720 in Reading already puts you in the top 3–5% of test-takers. However, moving from 700 to 800 in this section only improves your percentile by about 5% - a modest gain when compared to Math, where a similar 100-point increase can elevate you from the 76th to the 91st percentile. These numbers highlight how percentile jumps shrink as you approach the uppermost scores.

Time Investment ROI

Raising a Reading score beyond 720 demands a significant commitment. College counselor Bruce Epstein puts it into perspective:

"In my experience, students can raise their SAT about 1–5 point per hour of study/tutoring...Getting above 1500 would be a bit harder, probably 100–150 hours of studying, as the closer you get to 1600, the harder it is to move your average much."

For top-tier schools like Harvard, Princeton, Yale, or the University of Chicago, even small improvements can make a difference. These institutions often look for Reading scores in the 75th percentile range, which translates to around 770 or higher. With this in mind, the extra study time might be worth it, particularly if Reading can offset weaker areas in your overall score.

Skill Development Focus

At this level, improvement is less about learning foundational skills and more about mastering advanced test strategies. As Allen Cheng explains:

"The SAT Reading section is designed to trick students, requiring specific strategies to overcome."

One effective technique is elimination - pinpointing the three wrong answers to zero in on the correct one. Cheng elaborates:

"Out of the four answer choices, three of them have something that is totally wrong about them. Only one answer is 100% correct, which means the other three are 100% wrong."

Other strategies include predicting the answer before looking at the options and experimenting with different reading approaches. For instance, you might try skimming the passage, reading the questions first, or doing a detailed read to see which method aligns best with your strengths.

Superscore Impact

While a 720 Reading score is already strong, further improvements offer limited gains to your composite score compared to focusing on Math. Superscoring policies, which combine your best section results across multiple tests, work to your advantage here. Research shows that superscores often provide a more accurate reflection of your abilities than any single test result. This means you can strategically allocate your study time to areas where it will have the biggest impact on your overall score. Balancing your preparation this way ensures you’re maximizing your composite potential.

Pros and Cons

When deciding which section to focus on, it’s essential to weigh the advantages and challenges of each approach based on your academic goals, timeline, and target schools. Let’s break down the options and how they can shape your superscore strategy.

Which Section Should You Target?

For students aiming for STEM programs, focusing on improving a weaker Math score is often the most effective way to significantly boost their composite score. Research backs this up, showing that even modest improvements in Math can lead to notable overall score gains. Sean Ivester, Owner of Pivot Tutors, underscores this strategy: "One of the most important things students can do to improve their SAT scores is to focus on their struggles".

On the other hand, students who already have a strong Math score and feel confident in their verbal abilities might benefit from fine-tuning their Reading score. This can be particularly advantageous if their target schools prioritize verbal performance as part of their admissions criteria.

For those seeking merit-based scholarships, it’s crucial to concentrate on achieving a higher composite score, as many scholarships are tied to this metric. Setting clear SAT goals based on the average scores of your dream college or the requirements for scholarship eligibility can help you determine the most effective strategy.

Lindsey Wander, Founder and CEO of WorldWise Tutoring, advises students to dig deeper into their score reports: "Don't rely too heavily on the categories in the score reports. For instance, a student might think they struggle with geometry, but in reality, they might face difficulties with fractions or vocabulary". This highlights the importance of identifying specific areas for improvement, especially in Math, to make the most of your study efforts.

Conclusion

Crafting a superscore strategy requires aligning your percentile gains with your academic objectives. For instance, a 680 in Math offers more room for improvement than a 720 in Reading, as percentile ranks tend to climb more steeply with middle-range scores. This makes the Math section a prime opportunity for boosting your overall percentile and strengthening your profile.

If you're aiming for STEM programs, this focus on Math becomes even more critical. Competitive STEM admissions often demand strong quantitative scores, making Math improvement a top priority. On the other hand, if you're applying to liberal arts programs where verbal skills are emphasized, you might want to shift your focus toward refining your Reading section. The key is to tailor your preparation to the requirements of your intended field of study.

Think about your available prep time and how to allocate it wisely. If you're working with a tight schedule, prioritize the section where you can achieve the biggest percentile gains. Many colleges' superscoring policies allow you to concentrate on improving one section per test date, which can simplify your approach.

To maximize your results, research your target schools' specific policies and score expectations. Some colleges may weigh section scores differently depending on your intended major, while others might focus solely on composite scores, particularly for merit scholarships. Tailoring your strategy to these nuances can make all the difference.

FAQs

What is superscoring, and how can it help me decide which SAT section to focus on?

What Is Superscoring?

Superscoring is a method some colleges use to calculate your best possible SAT score. They take the highest section scores from multiple test attempts and combine them into a new composite score. For instance, if you perform better in Math on one test and excel in Reading on another, your superscore will reflect the top scores from both sections. This approach highlights your strongest performances across different test dates.

Why does superscoring matter? It allows you to concentrate on improving one section at a time without the fear of lowering your overall score. Many colleges use superscoring to get a better sense of your academic strengths, which could improve your chances of admission. When planning your test strategy, think about which section’s improvement will have the greatest impact on your superscore and percentile rankings.

What math topics should I focus on to raise my SAT Math score from 680?

To improve your SAT Math score from 680, dedicate your efforts to sharpening your skills in algebra, problem-solving, and data analysis. These areas are central to the test, with key topics like linear equations, functions, and ratios appearing frequently. Don’t overlook geometry and trigonometry either - be sure to revisit triangle properties, circle theorems, and basic trigonometric functions.

Consistent practice is your best tool. Work through official SAT practice tests to pinpoint your weaknesses and focus on those areas. When reviewing, take the time to understand your mistakes - figure out why the correct answers are right and how to tackle similar problems in the future. With steady practice and attention to these core topics, you’ll be well on your way to boosting your score.

How can I improve my SAT Reading score if I already have a strong score and my target schools value verbal skills?

If you're aiming for schools that value strong verbal skills, improving your SAT Reading score - even if it's already impressive - can help you stand out. To do this, dive into advanced reading techniques by working with more demanding materials like classic novels, academic papers, or opinion pieces. This practice will sharpen your ability to handle dense and complex texts with ease.

It's also crucial to get familiar with the types of questions you'll face on the SAT. Focus on strategies like spotting incorrect answers, identifying main ideas, and interpreting context. Incorporate timed practice tests into your prep routine to mimic the actual test environment. This will not only help you manage your time better but also highlight areas where you can still improve. These efforts can bring your score closer to the top tier.

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