As a tutor, I often get questions from parents who want to make sure their child is set up for success on the SAT. One of the most common questions is: “How many times can my child take the SAT?” If you’re wondering the same thing, you’re in the right place!
The answer is simple: technically, your child can take the SAT as many times as they’d like! But there are some important things to keep in mind about how multiple attempts can affect their performance, confidence, and even their college applications. Let’s walk through the pros and cons so you can help your child find the best testing strategy to tackle test anxiety and avoid unnecessary stress.
SAT Basics: How Many Times Can They Take It?
There’s no official limit to the number of times a student can take the SAT. The College Board, which administers the SAT, allows students to register for any test date as often as they’d like. The SAT is offered seven times a year in the United States, so theoretically, a student could take it multiple times within the same year.
But just because they can take it over and over doesn’t necessarily mean they should. Most experts recommend taking the SAT two to three times, as studies have shown that scores tend to level off after about the third attempt. Beyond that, the score improvements can be minimal, and taking it too many times can actually increase test anxiety rather than reduce it.
Benefits of Taking the SAT More Than Once
For many students, taking the SAT multiple times can be a smart strategy. Here’s why:
- Experience Reduces Test Anxiety: For students who experience test anxiety, taking the SAT a second or third time can help them feel more comfortable with the test format, pacing, and overall experience. Knowing what to expect can make a big difference in their confidence and reduce SAT anxiety.
- Score Superscoring: Many colleges use something called “superscoring.” This means they’ll take the highest score from each section across all test attempts. For example, if your child scores higher in Math on one test and higher in Reading and Writing on another, the college will consider the highest score from each section to create a “superscore.” Multiple attempts can give them more opportunities to improve individual sections.
- Room for Growth: Sometimes, it takes a couple of tries to reach their true potential. The first attempt might be a learning experience, and by the second or third attempt, students often feel more comfortable and can focus on improving specific areas.
The Downsides of Taking the SAT Too Many Times
While taking the SAT more than once can be helpful, there are some reasons not to go overboard:
- Increased SAT Anxiety: If a student is taking the SAT over and over, test anxiety can start to build. The pressure to constantly improve can be stressful, especially if there’s only a small improvement each time. Instead of boosting confidence, repeated attempts may just increase SAT anxiety.
- College Impressions: While most colleges focus on the highest scores, some schools may look at the entire testing history. A long list of attempts can raise questions, especially if scores don’t show consistent improvement. It’s important to strike a balance between demonstrating effort and appearing overly reliant on test-taking.
- Time and Focus: Preparing for the SAT takes time and energy, and it’s often better spent studying consistently than testing repeatedly. After a few attempts, focusing on other parts of the college application, like essays, extracurriculars, and grades, can actually be more beneficial.
My Recommendation: Two to Three Times is the Sweet Spot
From my experience as a tutor, taking the SAT two to three times seems to be the ideal number for most students. The first attempt is often a “practice run” to get familiar with the test. The second attempt usually results in some improvement, especially if we work on targeted strategies based on the first test’s results. If needed, a third attempt can give them one last opportunity to polish up and boost their scores.
If your child has taken the SAT twice and is still struggling with SAT anxiety, it may be time to consider alternative approaches to help them feel more confident rather than just taking the test again.
This Blog: Your Go-To Resource for SAT Success
Remember, the SAT is just one piece of the college application puzzle. If you have questions along the way, this very blog is a great resource for SAT strategies, tips on reducing test anxiety, and other helpful insights. Check back here regularly for more guidance as you and your child navigate this important part of their academic journey.
Final Thoughts
While there’s technically no limit on how many times your child can take the SAT, my advice is to aim for two or three attempts at most. This approach allows them to gain valuable experience, make improvements, and avoid unnecessary stress. Ultimately, a balanced approach will serve them better in the long run, keeping their confidence high and their SAT anxiety in check.
If you have more questions about SAT preparation or strategies, don’t hesitate to reach out—and be sure to keep checking back here for more tips and insights!