How many times should I take the ACT?

Hey folks, I'm a little stressed about the ACT. How many times do you think I should take it to get the best possible score? I don't want to overdo it, but I also want to make sure I'm putting in enough effort.

Taking the ACT can definitely be stressful, but having a clear strategy can help alleviate some of that stress. Generally, taking the ACT 2-3 times ought to be sufficient for most students. This should give you enough opportunities to familiarize yourself with the test and adjust your preparation accordingly.

The first attempt can be treated as a baseline, which gives you a better understanding of the test format, time management, and areas where you need to improve. Or, maybe you get lucky and crush it on your first try, in which case you're good to go with only one attempt!

If you think you can do better, though, thoroughly analyze your performance and take your time targeting weaker areas before your next attempt. Once you're more confident and focused, your second attempt should yield better results. If you're still not satisfied with your score or feel there's room for improvement, a third attempt can be taken.

However, keep in mind that taking the ACT too many times can actually hurt your chances at college admissions since it may suggest that you're unable to make progress or efficiently manage your time. Most colleges usually don't mind seeing multiple attempts, but they'll be interested in your highest score. Plus, studying for a retake takes time, and at a certain point that time will likely be better spent on your essays or other elements of your application, since a dramatic improvement on your third try is unlikely.

In between test dates, utilize test prep resources, practice exams, and hone your test-taking strategies. And remember that colleges consider your entire application holistically, so while getting a competitive ACT score is important, it's not the only factor that determines your admission chances. Good luck!