It’s a question countless high school students face: should I retake the SAT? You’ve already sat through the hours of studying, survived digital SAT prep, and nervously awaited your results. Now you’re staring at your score report, wondering if a second (or even third) attempt might be worth it.
Should I retake the SAT?
The truth is… it depends. For some students, another attempt can open new doors, while for others, the benefits may not outweigh the effort. The answer depends on your goals, your target colleges, and your capacity to prepare effectively.
Let’s break it down step-by-step.
Is my current SAT score competitive for my target colleges?
Start by comparing your SAT score to the middle 50% range of admitted students at your dream schools. This data is usually available on each college’s admissions website.
- If your score is above or within that range, retaking may not make a big difference for admissions.
- If your score is below the range, a retake could boost your competitiveness—especially for more selective institutions.
Also, consider your overall application. If your GPA, extracurriculars, and essays are already stellar, your SAT score might matter slightly less. But if you’re applying to schools that heavily weigh standardized test scores, an improvement could have a big impact.
My personal history with the SAT and ACT
When I was a tour guide at Stanford, high school students from all over the nation (and, in fact, the globe) asked me what my scores were, how many times I took each test, and which test I found easier. Let me answer those questions one by one:
I took the SAT once. I scored a 1520 that I wasn’t happy with.
I took the ACT twice. The first time, I was extremely nervous and ended up scoring a 31. The second time I took it, I felt cool, calm, and collected. I ended up scoring a 35. More specifically, I only got one question wrong. It was a grammar problem about the difference between the words lay, lie, lain, and laid.
To this day, that question haunts me, and I will never forget the differences among each of those words.
As for which test I found easier, check out my blog titled “Is the ACT easier than the SAT?“
Can I realistically improve my SAT score?
Ask yourself two questions:
- How much time can I dedicate to studying before the next test date?
- Do I know where I lost points?
If your initial test was taken without much preparation, there’s usually room for significant growth. Focused practice—especially in your weakest sections—can lead to a meaningful increase.
Take a look at what types of questions you got wrong. In English, were you struggling more with vocabulary questions or did you have more trouble distinguishing the rules regarding commas and semicolons? In math, what topics did you get the most incorrect answers on: geometry, statistics, algebra, or something more specific like exponent rules?
Run this analysis if you’re unsatisfied with your first-round scores.
If, however, you already prepared extensively and scored near your personal practice-test highs, you may only see marginal gains. Sometimes, the return on investment just isn’t there.
How many times should you take the SAT?
I tell this piece of advice to all my students: Remember, personal energy is a limited resource.
Most students take the SAT two to three times. The first test gives you a baseline. The second, ideally after focused preparation, should reflect improvement. A third attempt can be useful if you know exactly what to target and have the time to prepare effectively.
Beyond three attempts, the benefits usually plateau. Admissions officers may question why multiple retakes didn’t produce meaningful improvement, and repeated attempts can drain your energy and time from other crucial application components like essays or extracurricular achievements.
If you’ve only taken it once and feel you can do better, a retake is often worth considering. But if you’re already on your fourth or fifth try, it’s time to consider if your time and energy are better invested elsewhere.
Will a higher SAT score improve my admissions chances or financial aid?
For many schools, yes—especially merit-based scholarships, which often have score cutoffs.
A bump of even 50–100 points could push you into a higher scholarship bracket or make your application stand out in a competitive admissions pool.
That said, test scores are just one piece of the puzzle. A higher SAT won’t compensate for a low GPA or lack of extracurricular involvement. Think of it as an enhancer, not a magic ticket.
What else could I be spending my time on instead of retaking the SAT?
Time is a finite resource. Hours spent on SAT prep could instead be invested in:
- Strengthening your GPA
- Leading a new project in a club
- Looking for scholarships
- Building a standout portfolio
- Working on your resume
- Volunteering in a meaningful role
- Drafting and refining college essays
Ask yourself: which will have a bigger impact on my application—the possibility of a higher SAT score, or significant improvements in other areas?
When is the best time to retake the SAT?
The sweet spot for a retake is usually the spring of junior year or the early fall of senior year. This timing gives you the summer to review your score report, identify weaknesses, and commit to targeted preparation. It also leaves enough time before application deadlines to submit improved scores.
If your first attempt was in the fall of junior year, spring provides a natural follow-up with several months to prepare. If you’re testing in senior year, aim for the August, October, or November dates—well before early decision and regular decision deadlines.
Avoid scheduling a retake during high-stress academic periods, like finals or AP exam season. Your goal is to take the test when your mind is fresh, your schedule is clear enough to allow for consistent studying, and you’re not burning out from other responsibilities.
Conclusion
So, should you retake the SAT? If your current score is below your target range, you have a clear plan for improvement, and the timing works with your schedule—go for it. But remember, the SAT is just one part of your application story.
Think strategically. Evaluate your priorities. And if you decide to give it another shot, commit fully to your prep. That way, no matter the outcome, you’ll know you made your choice with clarity and purpose.
Now, pull up your college list, check those score ranges, and decide: will a retake move the needle for you?
If you’re looking for extra support to boost your scores and guide you through every step of the way, HelloCollege offers personalized test prep that fits your goals and schedule. Schedule a free consultation to learn more about our SAT prep services and how we can help you feel confident on test day.
