How Many Times Should I Take the SAT/ACT?
You're a junior in high school and you're beyond excited about college, but you know the process is a lengthy one. You studied for months, even years, to prepare for the SAT or ACT. After you take your first test you anxiously await the results, but when they finally come, you're anything but satisfied.
We've all been there. And let's be real-- it really hurts. You wallow for a bit, study a little more, and then quickly come to your senses. This is a game you have to play, so you put your helmet back on and try it again.
The results from your second test come back, and you consider them to be okay. Not your best, but certainly not your worst. So where do you go from here?
If we're being technical, you're allowed an unlimited number of SAT attempts and 12 ACT attempts (for security purposes). But before you register for every test date this year, let's consider this question from a few different perspectives.
First of all, these tests are not free to take. The SAT costs $47.50 (or $64.50 with the essay portion) and the ACT costs $50.50 (or $67 with the writing portion). Even if the financial aspect of the test is not an important factor in your decision-making, it's still relevant and potentially important to keep in mind.
It's also been shown that after students take this test two or three times, they fail to maintain effective study habits and essentially see no improvement or a plateau in their scores. College Board recommends taking the test twice, as students often see a slight improvement between their first and second scores. But after this, there might be a smaller or insignificant margin of difference, as is the case for the majority of students who take the SAT or ACT.
Not only is this a burden on its own, but there can be a heavy emotional toll to pay. After testing two or three times for either the SAT or ACT with minimal improvement, students often find themselves flustered and frustrated. Sometimes, working with what you already have can be more beneficial than forcing yourself through the process again. Especially if your head isn't 100% in the game, it's best that you take a step back to reevaluate your progress and make the most of your hard work.
If you're starting to apply to colleges and are wondering if you can possibly take the test once more, think again. You're writing college essays, filling out applications, and marketing yourself to your dream schools. Chances are you won't have sufficient time to study for the test and you won't be solely focused on improving your score. It's time to prioritize the application process and leave the testing behind.
Maybe you keep taking the test hoping for a certain score, but you have not yet reached that goal because it's impractical. If you scored a 1280 on your first attempt and a 1290 on your second attempt, it would be irrational to make your goal a 1560. When it comes to goal-setting, remember to be reasonable.
The takeaway: don't overdo it. If you've taken the test a few times already, step back and rethink your game plan.
Looking for personalized test advice? Speak with one of our SAT/ACT experts to see what we can do for you.