Many students wonder whether they should retake the SAT to improve their score. The short answer is yes, in most cases, taking the SAT more than once can increase your chances of getting into your target schools. However, whether you should retake it depends on factors like your current score, college requirements, and how much you can realistically improve.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
- How many times you should take the SAT
- When retaking the SAT is worth it
- When you should NOT retake the SAT
- How to improve your SAT score before a retake
1. How Many Times Should You Take the SAT?
Most students take the SAT 2–3 times to maximize their score.
| Number of Attempts | Best For | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Time | High scorers (1500+) on the first attempt | If your score is already competitive, retaking may not be necessary. |
| 2 Times | Most students | A second attempt typically leads to a higher score. |
| 3 Times | Students aiming for top scores (1550+) | Retaking can help if you are close to your goal but avoid excessive retakes. |
| 4+ Times | Rare cases | Colleges may question multiple attempts unless scores improve significantly. |
Most colleges superscore the SAT, meaning they take the highest section scores from different test dates. This makes retaking beneficial since you can focus on improving one section at a time.
Learn more about SAT superscoring and how it helps your application.
2. When Should You Retake the SAT?
Retaking the SAT is a good idea if:
- Your score is below the middle 50% range of your target colleges.
- You scored lower than expected due to test-day issues (nerves, illness, or poor time management).
- Your practice test scores were significantly higher than your actual SAT score.
- You struggled with a specific section and believe you can improve with more preparation.
Score Improvement Potential
On average, students improve their SAT score by 50–150 points on a second attempt, especially with targeted studying.
Consider SAT tutoring to boost your score before your next attempt.
3. When Should You NOT Retake the SAT?
Retaking the SAT is not always necessary if:
- Your SAT score is already in the top 25% of admitted students at your target colleges.
- You have other strong parts of your application (GPA, extracurriculars, essays).
- Your score is unlikely to improve significantly based on your study habits and available prep time.
- The time spent preparing for a retake could be better used elsewhere (e.g., improving your essays or AP scores).
Get free feedback on your Common App essay to strengthen your application.
4. How to Improve Your Score Before Retaking the SAT
If you decide to retake the SAT, follow these strategies to maximize your improvement:
1. Identify Weak Areas
- Review your SAT Score Report to see where you lost points.
- Focus on the section with the most room for improvement (Math or Reading & Writing).
2. Take More Practice Tests
- Use official SAT practice tests from the College Board.
- Simulate real test conditions (timed, no distractions).
3. Work on Time Management
- Many students struggle with finishing sections on time.
- Practice with strict timing to build speed and accuracy.
4. Consider SAT Tutoring for Faster Improvement
- A tutor can help with personalized strategies to boost your weak areas.
- Pathways offers expert SAT tutoring to help improve your score quickly.
5. Final Thoughts: Should You Retake the SAT?
Taking the SAT more than once is a smart move for most students, especially if you are trying to reach a target score for college admissions. However, excessive retakes may not be necessary, especially if your score is already competitive.
Key Takeaways:
- Take the SAT 2–3 times for the best chance at a higher score.
- Retake if your score is below your target college’s middle 50% range.
- Don’t retake if your time would be better spent improving other areas of your application.
- Improve your score by targeting weak areas, taking practice tests, and considering tutoring.
Start improving your SAT score today with expert guidance.
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