How Many Times to Take the Tests

Today I want to answer a question I get asked a lot: How many times should I take the SAT or the ACT tests for college? 

About 90% of colleges will “superscore” your SAT, taking your best of each section and putting them together, even if they’re from different test dates. For the ACT, a little over two-thirds of colleges will superscore your four sections, even from different test dates. This is why it’s to your benefit to take these tests at least two times to utilize that superscore. 

Three times is totally fine, four times tends to be punishing yourself, unless you’re going to make a big change between tests 2 and 3, or 3 and 4, in which case, sure, take the test as many times as you feel like you need to get your best score. 

There was a time when colleges used to superscore up to 3 tests, but for 4 or more would average them. Then it became the law of diminishing returns where 3 tests was the ideal maximum. But those days are long behind us—even though some folks with outdated information keep repeating it—so don’t worry about it. 

Take the tests till you feel like you’ve got the score that represents your abilities best for college, and if you have more questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at 732-556-8220. We are here to help.