How many times to take the SAT

Hi, I want to maximize my chances of getting a good SAT score, so I'm planning when to take it. How many times should a student take the SAT? Do colleges look at all of the scores or just the highest one?

Taking the SAT multiple times can be a good strategy to help maximize your chances of achieving your best score. Typically, students take the SAT two to three times, as repeated attempts often lead to score improvement. Keep in mind that while aiming for a higher score is important, it's also essential to ensure you're balancing your test preparation with your academics and extracurriculars.

Most colleges will use a process called "superscoring," which means they'll consider your highest score from each section of the test, even if those scores come from different test dates. This is beneficial to you, as it allows you to focus on improving a particular section without worrying about your overall score decreasing should one section's score be lower.

However, it's also important to avoid over-testing, as admissions officers may begin to question your commitment to other aspects of your application if you have an excessive number of attempts. Plus, your time and energy could be better spent on other components of your application, such as essays or extracurricular activities.

In summary, plan on taking the SAT two to three times and focus on maximizing your performance in each section. Keep in mind that colleges generally superscore your results, meaning they'll take the highest score from each section across multiple tests to form your best composite score. And remember to balance your test preparation with your other academic and extracurricular commitments. Good luck!