What are your chances of acceptance?
Your chance of acceptance
Duke University
Loading…
UCLA
Loading…
+ add school
Your chancing factors
Unweighted GPA: 3.7
1.0
4.0
SAT: 720 math
200
800
| 800 verbal
200
800

Extracurriculars

Low accuracy (4 of 18 factors)

Should I retake the SAT if my score isn't what I wanted?

Hey guys, I'm a junior and I recently took the SAT, but my score isn't as high as I'd like it to be. Should I retake the test? How many times is too many times to take it? I'm worried about how it will look to colleges. Thanks for any advice!

11 months ago

Hi there! It's completely normal to feel a bit uncertain about your SAT score, especially if it's not quite where you'd like it to be. Retaking the test is a common option for many students, and it's generally not an issue to take it multiple times. In fact, most colleges will only consider your highest score, so it's worth giving it another shot if you think you can improve. However, it's essential not to overdo it; taking the SAT more than 3 or 4 times might start to raise questions among admissions officers. To make the most of your retake, spend some time preparing using test prep materials, practice tests, and by pinpointing your weak areas to focus on. You might also consider trying the ACT, as some students find it a better fit for their testing style. In the end, remember that your SAT score is just one component of your college application, so don't forget to focus on other important aspects like your GPA, extracurriculars, and essays. Good luck!

11 months ago

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.