The determination of a combined performance metric, derived from individual section scores on a standardized college admissions test, provides a single, overall indicator of a test-taker’s abilities. For example, individual scores from the English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science sections are averaged to produce a final value. This value is typically rounded to the nearest whole number.
This process offers a simplified means of evaluating a candidate’s readiness for college-level coursework. It facilitates comparisons across a broad applicant pool, enabling institutions to identify individuals with the strongest academic profiles. Historically, it has served as a consistent and reliable benchmark for assessing academic potential, contributing to informed admissions decisions.