How many times should I take the SAT?

The SAT is an essential stepping stone to be in the dream colleges you want to get into. Score well on the test the first time around is perfect, but many students feel that doing the test more than once improves their score and confidence.

How many times should you take the SAT? So, let’s go into the details of this, looking at the SAT guidelines for 2024 and beyond.

The Ideal Number of SAT Attempts

You can take the SAT multiple times, but there is a balance to be had. Two to three attempts give most students the best score without them feeling test fatigue. The first SAT attempt establishes a baseline, identifying strengths and weaknesses. Students typically take it during junior year.

After focused preparation, a second attempt, usually taken in the fall of senior year, aims to improve scores. If top colleges or scholarships are needed, a third attempt should be scheduled before college application deadlines.

Score Choice and Superscoring

The College Board’s Score Choice allows you to choose which SAT scores to send to colleges. Some colleges also offer super scoring, which combines your highest section scores from multiple tests.

Example: If you scored 700 in Math and 650 in Reading and Writing on your first attempt, then improved to 650 in Math and 700 in Reading and Writing on your second attempt, a superstore would combine the 700s from both sections, giving you a higher overall score.

When Should You Take the SAT?

Proper timing of SAT attempts is crucial for maximizing performance and meeting college deadlines. A suggested timeline: Spring of junior year for the first attempt (establishing a baseline), fall of senior year for a second attempt (score improvement), and December of senior year for a third attempt (if necessary).

Factors That Determine How Many Times to Take the SAT?

Deciding how often to take the SAT depends on your initial score, target colleges’ policies (like super scoring), and personal goals. Significant score improvement between attempts suggests further potential, but consider time, resources, and test anxiety.

Your Target College Requirements

Some colleges might accept your highest scores across multiple attempts, while others prefer to see fewer attempts with steady improvement. Research the policies of your target colleges to plan effectively.

Your Practice and Preparation

The better prepared you are, the fewer attempts you’ll need. Students who dedicate time to practice tests and review often see significant improvement with just two attempts.

When Is Taking the SAT Too Much?

However, taking the SAT multiple times is also beneficial, up to a point. If you’ve taken the test and scored more than three times (or multiple times with no score improvement), it’s time to start thinking about things other than the test. In some universities, even excessive attempts may cause them to question.

While the College Board allows students to take the SAT as often as they wish, most colleges typically only consider the last three attempts. Therefore, ensuring your test dates align with college application deadlines is crucial to avoid wasting time and resources on attempts that won’t be considered.

How Can I Improve My SAT Scores Between Attempts?

The key to improving your SAT score is to focus on your weak areas by checking out your results and seeing what you do wrong in the same place. Timed practice tests are essential because they simulate the real exam environment and build endurance.

Finally, a professional SAT coach may be beneficial if you want to develop your test-taking strategy and give yourself an advantage on the SAT.

Preparing Strategically for Multiple SAT Attempts

A structured approach is the way to improve your SAT score. First, look at your first attempt, identify weak sections, and find out where your problem lies using the score report. Then, create a study plan so you spend more time on your weaker areas but keep your strengths.

The good news is that you also have the resources of the College Board to use: free practice questions and full-length tests. Finally, if you’re not sure you can do it yourself, an SAT prep program is better than trying to assemble the puzzle independently. There’s no substitute for expert help regarding understanding complex concepts and managing your time on the test.

Final Thoughts

How you practice and when you take the test depends on your goals, preparation and college requirements. According to most students, two to three tries are enough to get their desired score. The quantity of tests taken may or may not matter as much as quality preparation, as it always