Which Scores Count?

Q: We’ve started the college visiting process and while visiting a college this past weekend the admissions person told us that the school only looks at the highest individual score for SAT’s – meaning the highest verbal, highest math etc. I’m wondering how widespread this policy is.

A: The vast majority of colleges and universities operate under a "best of all sittings" policy when it comes to considering standardized test scores. This is done both because it gives candidates the opportunity to put their best foot forward, and because it helps the schools when it comes time to "brag" about their incoming class.

In fact only exception that I'm aware of currently is Penn State; PSU's process looks at the best individual "sitting," and does not "mix and match" test scores for candidates.