How do colleges view multiple attempts at standardized tests?

Hey everyone! I'm a junior in high school, and I've taken the SAT once already. My score wasn't as high as I had hoped, so I'm planning on taking it again. However, I'm worried that colleges might view multiple attempts negatively. Do colleges generally look down on students who take standardized tests multiple times? Thanks for any insight you can provide!

Hey there! It's completely normal to feel concerned about how colleges might perceive multiple attempts at standardized tests. First, let me reassure you that it's quite common for students to take the SAT or ACT more than once. In fact, most colleges expect students to try multiple times to achieve their best possible score. Generally, colleges don't look down on students who retake standardized tests. Instead, they tend to focus on the highest scores achieved, and some even practice 'superscoring,' a process where they consider the highest score from each section across multiple test attempts. This means that retaking the test could potentially improve your overall application. However, it's important not to obsess over standardized test scores, as they are just one part of your application. Colleges also look at your transcripts, extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation, and essays when making their decisions. Good luck on your next SAT attempt, and remember, the college admissions process is about showcasing your entire self, not just your test scores!