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How Many Times Can I Take the Test?
How Many Times Should I?
What Grade Should You Take the Test?
When Do Scores Come Out?
Why Retake The SATs
When it comes to the SAT, many students we work with wonder just how many attempts they should make to maximize their scores and improve their chances of getting into their dream colleges.
So how many times can you take the SAT, and how many times should you? In this blog, we take a look to determine the ideal number of tests you should take.
The short answer is you can take the SAT as many times as you want.
The SAT test is a critical component of the college admissions process, and it’s offered several times throughout the year, typically around 7 or 8 times yearly. This frequency provides ample opportunities to improve your score.
Ideally, we recommend taking the exam twice.
If you don’t like your score on your first sitting, you’ll have the summer break to focus on preparation and practice before potentially retaking the exam in your senior year. This strategy maximizes your chances of achieving a high score by giving you sufficient time to improve.
In theory, taking the exam as many times as possible sounds like a good idea - you might think that the more you take it, the higher your score would be. That’s not necessarily true, and we generally advise not to overdo it.
Taking the test too frequently can lead to burnout and reduce the time you have for thorough preparation. Instead of scheduling multiple tests in quick succession, space them out to ensure each attempt is met with adequate preparation.
This might change depending on your personal circumstances, but generally speaking, the best time to take the SAT for the first time is during your junior year of high school. Taking it early allows you to understand the test format and identify areas for improvement.
Timing your SATs during your junior year also aligns well with the college application process. Many colleges have early decision or early action deadlines in the fall of your senior year. By having your SAT scores ready by then, you can submit your applications early, potentially increasing your chances of acceptance.
Besides that, if you get a good score in your junior year, you can focus on other critical aspects of your college application during your senior year, such as writing essays, securing recommendation letters, and completing other necessary forms.
SAT scores are typically released about 2-4 weeks after the test date. This timeline allows you to plan for retakes if necessary.
For instance, if you take the SAT in March and find that your scores aren’t as high as you hoped, you’ll know that you’ll need to retake the exam within a few weeks, giving you plenty of time to study for your retake.
Most colleges allow you to choose which SAT scores to submit, a policy often referred to as "Score Choice." This means that you can take the test multiple times without worrying that a lower score will negatively impact your application.
You can choose to send only your highest scores to colleges, ensuring that your application reflects your best performance.
Many colleges offer superscoring, where they combine your highest section scores from multiple test dates to create your best possible composite score. This policy can significantly boost your application by:
For example, let's say you took the SAT twice. On your first attempt, you scored 600 in the Math section and 700 in the Reading and Writing section. On your second attempt, you improved your Math score to 650 but your Reading and Writing section score dropped to 680.
With superscoring, colleges would take your highest Math score (650) from the second test and your highest Reading and Writing score (700) from the first test, resulting in a superscore of 1350 (650 + 700).
One of the primary advantages of taking the SAT multiple times is becoming more acquainted with the test under real conditions.
The SAT is a standardized test with a unique format, strict timing, and specific question types. While practice tests are beneficial, nothing quite compares to the experience of taking the actual exam. Each attempt helps you get more comfortable with:
Test anxiety is a common issue that can hinder performance, especially on a high-stakes test like the SAT. It manifests as a combination of emotional, physical, and cognitive symptoms that can significantly impact performance.
Taking the SAT multiple times can help alleviate this anxiety through:
+ Read more about how to manage test anxiety when taking the SATs
While the flexibility to take the SAT as many times as you wish exists, strategically planning your attempts can save time, reduce stress, and enhance your performance.
Remember, each student's path is unique. Factors such as individual goals, test anxiety, and the specific requirements of your target colleges should guide your decision on how many times to take the SAT.
Working with an expert tutor is an excellent way to create a perfect plan to maximize your score. Some of the best teachers in the world tutor at Crimson!
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