Missouri Western State University will adopt the “superscore” method to evaluate the ACT scores of incoming freshmen for admission and scholarship offers.
Until now, if a student took the ACT more than once, Missouri Western would evaluate their admission and scholarship applications based on the best composite score (the average of the test’s four sections) on a particular date. For example, if a student took the ACT in September and again in February, Missouri Western would consider the highest composite score from either of those two dates. The superscore takes the best score from each section, regardless of test date. So now, Missouri Western will determine the student’s composite score using the highest section scores, such as English and math from September and reading and science from February.
“The superscore method gives us a more complete and accurate picture of a student’s academic potential, and is being used more frequently in college admissions across the country,” said Dr. Paul Orscheln, associate vice president for enrollment management and student retention. “It should be very beneficial for our students, making it a little easier to gain automatic admission to Missouri Western. It also can help make college more affordable, giving students access to more scholarships.”
A composite ACT score of at least 21 qualifies an incoming freshman for automatic admission to Missouri Western. In addition, the criteria for many institutional scholarships include minimum ACT scores. The change may make some incoming freshmen eligible for an additional $1,000 to $1,600 in scholarships per year, or $4,000 to $6,400 over four years.
The change is in effect for incoming freshmen applying for admission in the fall of 2018.
Missouri Western State University is a comprehensive regional university providing a blend of traditional liberal arts and professional degree programs. The university offers student-centered, high quality instruction that focuses on experience-based learning, community service, and state-of-the-art technology. Missouri Western is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit www.missouriwestern.edu.