How Many Times Should I Take the SAT?
A guide to deciding if — and when — a retake makes sense
When it comes to the SAT, many parents wonder how many times their student should take the test. Students and parents alike want to reach their highest possible score, but how can anyone know if they’ll score higher on additional attempts?
While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, helping your student build a smart testing plan can save time, reduce stress, and streamline their study process toward clear goals. In this post, we’ll break down the Benefits and Challenges of different testing plans to help you make an informed decision about your students’ studies!
One Attempt
Benefits
For some students, one SAT attempt is all they need to reach their goals. One attempt might be all your student needs if they:
- have prepared thoroughly and feel confident in the mastery of the material.
- feel confident in attaining target scores that lines up well with the colleges on their list.
- are applying to test-optional schools, where strong grades and other factors may carry more weight.
- also plan to take (or have already taken) the ACT.
- will test early in junior year (January – March), leaving room for an optional retake later .
Challenges
- Making just one attempt can put unneeded stress on students looking to attain difficult high scores.
- Even well-prepared students can have an off day, and not retaking the test means you lose the chance to raise your score.
- If one section score is lower than expected, you’re stuck with that result! Superscoring (taking your best score on each section) requires multiple attempts.
SAT Mastery Modules
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Two Attempts
Benefits
For many students, taking the SAT twice strikes the right balance between preparation and flexibility. This approach might be ideal if:
- Your student wants to use the first test as a learning experience to understand the test format and pacing.
- Their initial score highlights specific areas for improvement, giving them a clear focus for future study.
- You’re looking to space out testing — many students take the SAT in the spring (May or June) and retake it later in the year (August or October).
- They want to take advantage of Superscoring.
Challenges
- Prepping and sitting for the SAT twice can take a toll on your student’s schedule and mental bandwidth, especially during a busy junior year.
- Some students may not see significant improvement between attempts, particularly if they don’t adjust their prep strategy after the first test.
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Three Plus Attempts
Benefits
Some students choose to take the SAT three times, and while this isn’t necessary for everyone, it can be a good option for those aiming for a significant score improvement. Consider a third attempt if:
- You’re aiming for a substantial increase in your score and need to use multiple attempts to shoot for the moon!
- You want to target specific sections with different attempts (such as Math or Reading).
- You’d like multiple chances to hit your best score, which can be especially important if you’re applying to highly competitive colleges.
Retaking the test three times can give you an edge if you’re determined to improve your score significantly. Just make sure you have enough time between attempts to focus on strengthening your weaknesses!
Challenges
- Too many attempts can lead to fatigue and frustration, potentially hurting performance rather than helping.
- The more attempts you take, the more you prolong your studies! To make the most out of each attempt, make sure you study with intention!
Our Recommendation?
We generally recommend that students plan to take the SAT at least twice. The first test provides a baseline and valuable insight, while the second allows focused improvement and score growth. For most students, this two-test approach strikes the perfect balance between preparation, confidence, and opportunity.