What is the best time to retake the SAT or ACT?

Think of retaking the SAT or ACT like baking cookies: timing is everything. Too early, and you're underbaked. Too late, and you've missed the deadline party. Most students retake in the summer before senior year or early fall—prime prep time and still early enough for Early Decision or Regular Decision apps. If your first score made you wince, and you know you can level up with better prep, a second try is usually worth it. Just don’t wing it. Plan ahead, register early (especially for hot dates like August or October), and leave enough time for those sweet, sweet score reports to reach colleges. Retakes aren't just for redemption—they’re strategic moves.

How many times can you take the SAT or ACT?

Officially? You can take the SAT an infinite times (no, really), and the ACT up to 12 times—which is… a choice. But let’s be real: most students tap out after 2 to 3 tries, and that’s usually enough. Each retake should be smarter, not just “let’s hope for the best again.” Focus on fixing what flopped last time, sharpen your prep, and take full-length practice tests under test-day conditions. Colleges typically focus on your highest scores—and many even superscore—so quality matters more than quantity. Repeating the same mistakes over and over won’t impress anyone (except maybe your test proctor). Be strategic. Be self-aware. And for the love of all things college-bound, don’t treat this like a hobby.

Do colleges care if you retake the SAT or ACT?

Short answer: not really. Long answer: only if you're retaking with a purpose. Colleges expect most students to take the SAT or ACT more than once—it shows you're committed and trying to improve, not just hoping lightning strikes. Many schools use your highest score or even superscore, combining your best sections across test dates. So yes, retaking can help your application if you actually improve. But if you keep retaking without boosting your score, it won’t hurt you; it just might not help. Think of retakes like sequels—great when they add something new (hello, Toy Story 3), unnecessary when they don’t (*looking at you, Sharknado 5).

Is it better to retake the SAT or switch to the ACT?

Stuck between retaking the SAT or jumping ship to the ACT? Here’s the tea: if your SAT score is almost there and you’ve pinpointed what to fix, a retake could do the trick. But if you hated every second of it, or you finished each section with 0.7 seconds left and a mild existential crisis, the ACT might be more your speed. It moves fast, includes a science section (more charts than chemistry), and feels more straightforward to some students. Many colleges accept both, so it’s really about fit. Try a practice ACT, compare results, and go where your brain thrives. It’s not betrayal—it’s strategy.

Retaking the SAT/ACT: What You Need to Know

So you took the SAT or ACT, lived to tell the tale, and now you’re wondering… should you do it again? Maybe your score didn’t quite scream “future Ivy League valedictorian,” or maybe you just really enjoy bubbling in answers for three hours straight. Either way, let’s talk strategy, not suffering.

Should You Retake the SAT or ACT?

Signs You Might Benefit from Retaking the SAT or ACT

You might want to consider a do-over if:

Your score made you gasp, cry, or dramatically throw your calculator across the room.
You took the test on four hours of sleep and a breakfast consisting of half a granola bar and pure panic.
You’ve been studying like a caffeine-powered squirrel since your last test, and your practice scores are soaring.
You had test-day jitters so intense you forgot your own name during the essay section.

In short, if something didn’t go quite right—or you know you can crush it with a little more prep—it might be time to channel your inner academic avenger.

How Colleges View Multiple SAT/ACT Scores

Good news: admissions officers aren’t sitting around judging you for taking the test twice. Or even three times. Or… okay, maybe don’t take it nine times. That’s excessive. But a second or even third attempt? Totally normal.

In fact, many colleges like to see persistence. Improvement tells them you’re willing to put in the work, and you’re not just a one-test pony.

What is Superscoring and Score Choice?

Here’s where things get fun (yes, fun—stay with me). Some colleges superscore, which means they’ll take your highest section scores across multiple test dates and combine them into one glorious, Frankenstein’d mega-score. Thank you, admissions gods.

Others offer Score Choice, letting you pick which test dates to send. That way, you can hide that one time you tried to wing it after a “Stranger Things” binge and zero prep. Strategic silence? Absolutely allowed.

Just make sure to check each college’s policy. Some schools want all your scores, so honesty (and a solid test strategy) really is the best policy.

How to Decide Between Retaking the SAT or ACT

SAT vs ACT: Which Test Fits You Best?

It’s not a “one test to rule them all” situation. The SAT and ACT are like siblings—similar, but annoyingly different.

The SAT leans more math-heavy, gives you more time per question, and likes to test how well you interpret data and text.

The ACT is faster-paced, includes a science section (more charts than chemistry, don’t worry), and might feel more straightforward if you thrive under pressure.

Try a practice test for both. The one that makes you cry less? Go with that.

4 Factors to Consider Before Retaking the SAT/ACT

Retaking the test isn’t just a “why not?” situation. Ask yourself:

Do you actually have time to prep this time around?
Are you applying to schools that superscore or accept Score Choice?
Has your score improved on practice tests since the last go-around?
Do you know what went wrong last time—and how to fix it?

If the answers are mostly “yes” (and you’re not just retaking for the thrill of filling in bubbles), it might be worth it.

SAT/ACT Score Plateau? When You Should Consider Switching Tests

If you scored way better on one practice test than the other, or your second attempt at the ACT didn’t improve, but the SAT feels more your vibe, it’s okay to break up with your original test. No hard feelings.

Switching from SAT to ACT or vice versa can make sense if:

You’ve plateaued after multiple tries.
The other test aligns better with your strengths.
You like the idea of shaking things up (and you’re not afraid of a new test format).

Just don’t switch for the sake of it. Be strategic. Be intentional.

When Is the Best Time to Retake the SAT/ACT?

Timing is everything. You wouldn’t show up to prom in October or try to write your entire college essay the night before it’s due (well… hopefully). Retaking the SAT or ACT is the same—it’s all about choosing the right moment to shine.

Ideal SAT/ACT Test Dates for Juniors and Seniors

Here’s a quick cheat sheet to help you plan like a pro (or at least like someone who checks their calendar):

Grade Level	Test	Test Date	Why This Date Range Works
Junior (Spring)	SAT	Early to mid-March	Perfect for setting a baseline before summer prep begins.
Junior (Spring)	ACT	Early April	Tests your full year’s academic progress.
Junior (Summer)	SAT	Late August	Minimal distractions = max focus. Plus, you’ll beat the fall rush.
Junior (Summer)	ACT	Mid-July	Great for motivated students who want a leg up before senior year.
Senior (Early Fall)	SAT	Early October	Ideal for Early Decision/Early Action deadlines.
Senior (Early Fall)	SAT	Mid-September	Your last big push before early apps are due.
Senior (Early Fall)	ACT	Early November	Aligns perfectly with Regular Decision cutoffs.
Senior (Late Fall)	ACT	Late October	A final chance to shine before apps go out.

Schedule around your stress levels. If you’ve got finals, AP tests, or three clubs melting down at once, maybe skip that test date.

How Late Can You Retake the SAT/ACT for Application Deadlines?

Colleges aren’t known for being patient. If you’re applying early action or early decision (usually due in October or November), your last test should ideally be in June, July, or August of senior year.

For regular decision (most are due in January), the October or November test dates are usually your final shot. Double-check with each college—some are chill, others run tighter ships.

3 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Retaking the SAT/ACT

Not Changing Your Prep Strategy

Retaking the test without switching up your prep is like wearing the same socks and expecting a different smell. If something didn’t work the first time, tweak your study plan, try new resources, and target your weak spots.

Retaking Too Soon

Jumping back in right away without enough prep time? Risky. Give yourself at least 6–8 weeks to actually improve, not just relive your testing trauma.

Ignoring Weak Areas from the First Test

If math tripped you up before, avoiding it now won’t magically fix it. Face the fear. Fix the issue. Get the points.

How a SAT/ACT Retake Impacts Your College Application

Does Retaking Help Your Application?

Yes—if your score improves. A higher score can boost your chances, especially at selective schools. It also shows grit and growth, two things colleges love almost as much as your GPA.

How Many Scores Do Colleges See?

Depends on the school. Some want all scores, some let you choose which to send. And many superscore, giving you the best of each section across test dates. (Thank you, admissions fairies.)

Impact on Early Decision and Regular Decision

For Early Decision, your last shot is usually September or October. For Regular Decision, November or December works. Don’t cut it too close—you want your best score in before the buzzer.

How to Improve Your SAT/ACT Score on a Retake

Alright, you’re going for Round 2 (or 3). No shame. Let’s talk glow-up strategies.

How to Create an SAT/ACT Retake Study Plan That Boosts Your Score

No, your study plan shouldn’t be “panic the week before.” Here’s how to avoid that:

Set a schedule: 20–30 minutes a day beats a 6-hour cram-fest.
Target your weak spots: If math made you cry last time, don’t avoid it—tame it.
Practice with purpose: Review your wrong answers. Understand why you missed them, don’t just shout “WHY?!” into the void.

And yes, you can still have a life. Just maybe not a Netflix-binge-every-night life.

Best Prep Resources for Retaking the SAT/ACT

There are a ton of resources out there. These are the ones actually worth your time:

For the SAT:

Khan Academy (FREE): Official, smart, and surprisingly non-boring.
College Board Practice Tests: Real tests, real vibes.

For the ACT:

ACT.org Practice Tests: The real deal.
Mike Barrett’s ACT Prep Book: A little dense, but super insightful.

Use a timer. Practicing without timing is like training for a sprint by walking a mile. Not the same.

Get Expert SAT/ACT Retake Help from a Top Admissions Consulting and Test Prep Firm

If you’re serious about leveling up your SAT or ACT score, Cardinal Education is your secret weapon. We don’t just hand you a test book and say, “Good luck.” Our test prep programs are tailored, data-driven, and brutally effective. We offer full-length SAT and ACT practice tests, along with the best resources curated by experts who know what it takes to improve.

Ready to crush your SAT or ACT retake?

Whether you’re aiming for a superscore, tackling your weakest section, or making a comeback after a disappointing first try, our expert tutors craft a strategy that works for you. With Cardinal Education, retaking the SAT or ACT doesn’t feel like a redo—it feels like a takeover.

Contact us today and get a custom test prep plan designed to boost your SAT/ACT score—and your confidence.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to retake the SAT or ACT?
Think of retaking the SAT or ACT like baking cookies: timing is everything. Too early, and you’re underbaked. Too late, and you’ve missed the deadline party. Most students retake in the summer before senior year or early fall—prime prep time and still early enough for Early Decision or Regular Decision apps. If your first score made you wince, and you know you can level up with better prep, a second try is usually worth it. Just don’t wing it. Plan ahead, register early (especially for hot dates like August or October), and leave enough time for those sweet, sweet score reports to reach colleges. Retakes aren’t just for redemption—they’re strategic moves.
How many times can you take the SAT or ACT?
Officially? You can take the SAT an infinite times (no, really), and the ACT up to 12 times—which is… a choice. But let’s be real: most students tap out after 2 to 3 tries, and that’s usually enough. Each retake should be smarter, not just “let’s hope for the best again.” Focus on fixing what flopped last time, sharpen your prep, and take full-length practice tests under test-day conditions. Colleges typically focus on your highest scores—and many even superscore—so quality matters more than quantity. Repeating the same mistakes over and over won’t impress anyone (except maybe your test proctor). Be strategic. Be self-aware. And for the love of all things college-bound, don’t treat this like a hobby.
Do colleges care if you retake the SAT or ACT?
Short answer: not really. Long answer: only if you’re retaking with a purpose. Colleges expect most students to take the SAT or ACT more than once—it shows you’re committed and trying to improve, not just hoping lightning strikes. Many schools use your highest score or even superscore, combining your best sections across test dates. So yes, retaking can help your application if you actually improve. But if you keep retaking without boosting your score, it won’t hurt you; it just might not help. Think of retakes like sequels—great when they add something new (hello, Toy Story 3), unnecessary when they don’t (*looking at you, Sharknado 5).
Is it better to retake the SAT or switch to the ACT?
Stuck between retaking the SAT or jumping ship to the ACT? Here’s the tea: if your SAT score is almost there and you’ve pinpointed what to fix, a retake could do the trick. But if you hated every second of it, or you finished each section with 0.7 seconds left and a mild existential crisis, the ACT might be more your speed. It moves fast, includes a science section (more charts than chemistry), and feels more straightforward to some students. Many colleges accept both, so it’s really about fit. Try a practice ACT, compare results, and go where your brain thrives. It’s not betrayal—it’s strategy.