HOW MANY TIMES SHOULD YOU TAKE THE SAT/ACT?

Many students, and their parents too, sweat bullets over the SAT/ACT scores. The first question out of their mouths once they see the results is “Should I take the test again?” This question is even asked by students are who are “overjoyed” with their scores. The anxiety over test scores then begs the question of how many times should you take these tests?RELAX.

Standardized tests have a way of creating havoc on students psyche. Students and their families are lead to believe that these scores are the all important decision factor into deciding weather or not a school accepts you. Students are always left questioning “I wonder if it could be higher?”

At some point students have to look at the "law of diminishing returns" and question weather there are better places you can spend your holiday or summer vacation over preparing to take the SAT or ACT yet again a third, fourth or fifth time just to gain a few points.

Students need to question if they should take both tests in hopes that one will produce better results. Many times, school will accept both SAT and ACT tests, so if you feel you are not doing well on one test, move to the other as each of the tests are based on different philosophies. If you want to repeat the test, then here are some questions you need to ask yourself.

AM I HAPPY WITH THE RESULTS ON MY SAT/ACT TEST? IF SO, YOU’RE DONE!
If you are happy with your score, end the process on a high note, and accept for what it is because there are a lot of things you can do with your time than to prepare yet again for another hit at the SAT/ACT exam. Schools are looking for students who have an out of academic life.  Don't sweat the "WHAT IFs!"

AM I FEELING OPTIMISTIC ON REPEATING THE TEST, OR BEATEN DOWN?
Some students want to take the test again. They feel that they can do better. If you feel you have the upper hand and want to show what you can do, go for it! If you're feeling defeated, but want another try, TRY! If you are just burned out, forget it. If you're feeling discouraged about doing a repeat, you've done your best and spent your time preparing and now just wish it was “just over”, quit! You have done your best and you should now close that chapter and do something else that will bring you pleasure.

SHOULD I TALK TO MY PREP TUTOR OR CLASS INSTRUCTOR?
Of course! Good instructors should be able to tell you whether or not you have a good chance of improving your scores. If you have a private tutor, perhaps they can focus on the problem areas to bring up the scores, but if it is just to raise a score by 20 points, don’t bother!

WILL THE COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY I WANT TO GO TO ALLOW ME TO REPORT ONLY MY HIGHEST SCORES?
Review in the Admissions Section of the College's Website. See if they will accept your best scores from different sitting.  Based on what you learn, you can then decide if taking the test again is necessary. Many colleges allow you to report your highest math, critical reading and writing scores from different sittings, so you might want to repeat it.

SHOULD I TAKE A TEST AGAIN BASED ON THE “AVERAGE SCORES” OF THE COLLEGE(S) THAT INTEREST ME?
Schools like to quote a “HIGH” average score as a marketing tool that score might be higher than yours, however, that isn't necessarily a good reason to take the test again. Wasting time to study yet again for a standardized test takes time away from things that you could be enjoying and bringing to the table at the school you are looking at.

Test scores are never the most important factor in the admissions decision, so don't make it your most important activity.  Focus on YOU.