If students don’t reach their target score the first time you take the SAT or ACT, most of them opt to take the test again. After all, the old proverb “if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again” is true, right?

Honestly, this depends on which schools you are applying to in the fall.

Most colleges take one of four routes when it comes to considering standardized test scores:

• Test optional- Students may choose to send their scores if they would like, but these scores are not required for admittance
• Score choice- Students may send their highest test scores, or colleges will only consider a student’s top SAT or ACT scores
• Superscoring- Students receive a special composite score comprised of their highest scores on each section of the SAT or ACT taken across multiple administrations of the test
• All scores required- Students must send official scores from every SAT or ACT administration they have taken in their high school career

When applying to schools that are test optional or ones that use superscoring or score choice methods, it really doesn’t matter how many times you take the SAT or ACT. 

However, if you want to apply to a school that requires all scores, then the amount of times you take the administration and the scores you receive at each sitting will be very important.

Why do some colleges require you to send all of your scores?

There are a few reasons why some colleges want students to send all of their test scores.

For one, seeing every score allows colleges and universities to get a better picture of their applicants. It is hard to define a student by a single test score. While a full testing history isn’t the only thing that colleges consider, it does help them get a better idea of a student’s academic capabilities than one single test score.

Also, requiring a full testing history gives colleges the chance to look at trends. If a student increases their scores, it means they know how to adapt to missteps and work toward success. If a student decreases their scores, it means they likely didn’t take test prep seriously, and they might not be ready for college level studying and academics.

Which colleges require full testing histories?

Here is a list of the colleges and universities (in order by state) that require students to send all of their SAT and ACT scores according to the College Board:

• University of North Alabama
• Southern Arkansas University
• University of Arkansas at Little Rock
• Point Loma Nazarene University
• Soka University of America
• University of Colorado Denver
• Holy Apostles College and Seminary
• Georgetown University
• Howard University
• Delaware State University
• Barry University
• Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University
• Southeastern University
• Fort Valley State University
• Dordt College
• MacMurray College
• Olivet Nazarene University
• Saint Xavier University
• Trinity Christian College
• Grace College
• Indiana Wesleyan University
• Oakland City University
• University of Saint Francis
• Kansas Wesleyan University
• University of Saint Mary
• Kentucky Christian University
• Grambling State University
• Louisiana State University of Alexandria
• Louisiana State University Shreveport
• Nicholls State University
• Andrews University
• Cornerstone University
• Sacred Heart Major Seminary
• Oak Hills Christian College
• Central Methodist University
• Saint Louis University
• Blue Mountain College
• William Carey University
• University of North Carolina at Charlotte
• University of Jamestown
• Mayville State University
• Richard Stockton College of New Jersey
• Barnard College
• City College of New York
• Colgate University
• Cooper Union
• Cornell University
• Hunter College
• Long Island University Brooklyn
• New York School of Interior Design
• Queens College (City University of New York)
• United States Merchant Marine Academy
• Art Academy of Cincinnati
• Cameron University
• East Central University
• Rogers State University
• Southwestern Oklahoma State University
• Western Oregon University
• Carnegie Mellon University
• Indiana University of Pennsylvania
• Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania
• University of Puerto Rico at Cayey
• University of Puerto Rico at Humacao
• University of Puerto Rico at Ponce
• Columbia International University
• The Citadel
• Tennessee Technological University
• Dallas Christian College
• Howard Payne University
• LeTourneau University
• Midwestern State University
• Rice University
• St. Edward’s University
• Tarleton State University
• Texas A&M University
• Texas A&M University—Kingsville
• Texas Wesleyan University
• University of Texas at Brownsville
• Neumont University
• Utah State University
• Castleton State College
• Washington State University
• Alderson-Broaddus College
• Fairmont State University
• West Virginia University Institute of Technology 

Advantages of sending all of your test scores

While it might seem discouraging, there are a few advantages to sending all of your official test scores.

If your test scores have consistently improved at each administration, sending all of your scores will showcase your ability to study hard and learn from your mistakes. Even if you have a bad score on your first attempt, it can look good to colleges to see your score increase each time you take the test.

College admissions officers are looking for students who are able to rise to the occasion when met with challenges, and showing growth on your SAT or ACT sittings will show them that you are capable of handling the academic challenges that you will face in college.

Furthermore, if your test scores are consistently in the 75th percentile or higher, you will show colleges and universities that your scores are not a fluke, and you truly know the information covered on the test.

This can help improve your chances of admission.

Disadvantages of sending all of your scores

Unfortunately, there can be some disadvantages to sending all of your test scores to a college.

If you are consistently earning poor scores, it is a strong indicator that you are not well-equipped to handle the rigors of college. Not only do low scores show that you do not understand the material covered on the test, but they also show that you weren’t able to put in the time and effort it takes to improve your scores.

Even if you have a good score, it can look bad to college admissions officers if you aren’t able to show an upward trend.

How many times should you take the SAT or ACT?

If you are applying to colleges that require you to send all of your scores, you want to put some thought into how many times you should take the SAT or ACT.

Here are some factors to consider:

• What are your most recent scores? Have you scored within the 75th percentile for your target school? If so, you might not need to retake the test. If not, you should probably consider taking the test again.
• What are your score trends? Was your last score almost identical to the previous score? If you are not going to be able to show an upward trend, you might not want to take the test again.
• How many times have you taken the test already? While this rule isn’t set in stone, there is a rule of thumb that you should not take the test more than 3-4 times. If you’ve only taken the test once or twice, feel free to take it again. If you’ve already taken the test four times, you might not want to retake the test unless you truly feel like you can significantly improve your score.

Earning high SAT or ACT scores

You can impress the admissions officers at the colleges and universities that require full testing histories by earning strong SAT or ACT scores and consistently improving each time you take the test.

Prep Expert can help you accomplish these goals through our SAT and ACT prep courses and private SAT and ACT tutoring services.

Learn more about how our highly-qualified instructors and tutors can help you earn high SAT or ACT scores when you visit our website.