Taking the SAT or ACT more than once is common but how many times is too many? The answer depends on your goals, your schedule, and how much your score improves with each attempt. Here’s how to make a smart testing plan without going overboard.
1. Most Students Take It 2–3 Times
Colleges expect some students to take the SAT or ACT more than once. The average is around two or three times, not five or six.
2. Retaking Can Raise Your Score
Many students improve the second time they test, especially if they studied more or were less anxious. But gains usually level off after the third attempt.
3. Superscoring Can Work in Your Favor
Some colleges superscore, meaning they combine your highest section scores from multiple test dates. If your dream schools do this, it might be worth retaking to boost one section.
Want to know more? Read How Colleges Use Test Scores in Admissions (and Scholarships).
4. Know When to Stop
If your scores aren’t improving much after repeated effort, and the stress of testing is starting to impact your well-being or school performance, it may be time to reassess your strategy. Research shows that chronic academic pressure can affect student mental health¹. Talk with a trusted adult or school counselor about next steps. Sometimes taking a break or focusing on other parts of your application is the smartest move.
5. Consider Your Whole Timeline
If you’re applying early (like Early Action or Early Decision), you’ll need to plan your last test accordingly. Make sure you have scores ready in time for deadlines.
6. Some Students Only Test Once (or Not at All)
If your first score is strong, you may not need to test again, especially if you’re applying to test-optional schools. Your energy might be better spent on essays or your college list. For some schools, dual enrollment can have a bigger impact than testing.
Still deciding whether to test at all? Check out Should You Take the SAT or ACT (or Neither?
Sources¹ American Psychological Association. (2014). Stress in America: Are Teens Adopting Adults’ Stress Habits?