How Many Times Should You Take the SAT or ACT?

I recommend that high school students take the SAT or ACT no more than three times.

Here are four tips for your three tries:

1] Don’t take it any earlier than your junior year unless you are a strong test taker and you are confident that you can earn a high score. You don’t want to have a really low score on your transcript or record sheet — it will only hurt your application.

2] ONLY take the SAT or ACT after you have completed several practice tests and have demonstrated that your scores are where you would like them to be. 

3] Students who take advanced sciences (AP or Honors) should take the SAT II in June of the same year so they’ll be most prepared to do well. Remember, that you can’t take the SAT and the SAT II on the same day.  

4] Check out the dates for the SAT and ACT and sign up now.  Double check your sports and family calendars to make sure you’re free on those dates. 

Most colleges will accept SAT and ACT tests taken until December of your senior year for regular admission.  Early Action and Early Decision applications will require an earlier test date (check with each college to be sure).