Should I retake the SAT? We’re asked that question a lot. The short answer is…probably. But understand why first.

Here is what you need to know before asking yourself “should I retake the SAT?”

Here’s a ton of SAT prep hacks that will help you on the next test round.

Questions To Ask Yourself

Many students take the SAT multiple times but ask themselves questions first.

Very rarely does anyone nail their perfect score the first time out. However, it’s not mandatory to retake it.

So how do you know if you should dive back into the test prep process? This decision ultimately is up to you to make. However, before making it, there are questions you need to ask yourself first:

Did you reach your target goal score yet?, Are you otherwise satisfied with your current score?, Does your score qualify you for the school(s) you’re applying to?, Do you have time left to retake it before college applications deadlines?

Be clear with yourself about how good or bad your score actually is, and what you have left to do.

Benefits of Retaking the SAT

There are definitely benefits to retaking the test.

Your SAT Score Improvement Chances Increase

It boils down to practice making perfect.

Research has shown that in the class of 2018, 63% of students who retook the SAT saw score improvements. It sounds like a no-brainer but really think about it.

Your chances of increasing your test score are huge by simply taking a second or third crack at the test. Now, the bigger issue to think about is how much of a point increase are you looking for?

Do you need to see a 10 point improvement or 100 point improvement? If you need a significantly higher score to get into your dream schools, then a retest is a no-brainer.

You Already Know What To Expect

Your personal experience is now your guide.

Before taking the SAT for the first time, all you can go off of are practice tests and studying. Both are tremendously helpful, but it’s like playing sports.

Until you actually reach test day, you don’t know how you will perform. All the preparation in the world can be stifled by high nervousness. However, when retaking the SAT, you know what to expect.

You know what the questions look like, how much time you need to answer, your break schedule, etc. The exact questions are different, but the familiarity of test-taking itself will calm your nerves tremendously.

Better nerves almost always equate to better scores.

Better Chances At Scholarship Money

Your SAT score is key to untold scholarship money.

If paying for college is a worry, let your SAT score find some money for you. There are a ton of merit-based and private scholarships out in the world.

Not to mention sources like the National Merit Scholarship. Hundreds of millions of dollars in scholarship funds are available every year.

One of the biggest factors to accessing it is your test score. A high percentile SAT score automatically puts you in the running for a lot of that money.

It’s literally how Prep Expert founder Shaan Patel paid for college himself. If he can do, you definitely can too.

How Many Times Should You Retake The SAT?

This is a question we’re often asked by parents and students.

The truth is there’s no cap on how many times you can take it. However, there are many factors to consider like target scores, college requirements, etc.

In general, it’s recommended to take the test no more than 2-3 times. The reason being that you have at least one chance apiece during your high school junior and senior years.

Remember that you need to give yourself time to study and practice in between. Three times by the fall of your senior year is the safest limit to follow. That way you’ll have enough scores for colleges to compare during the application process.

If you test more than that and don’t show significant improvements, then schools will think twice about your academic potential overall.

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