Can You Retake the SAT and ACT?
Wondering if you can retake the SAT or ACT? Learn how many times you can take the SAT/ACT, the costs of retaking, and strategies to improve your score. Get answers on retake policies, college score reporting, and tips for success.
Introduction
Standardized tests play a crucial role in college admissions, and understanding retake policies can help students maximize their scores. Many students preparing for college wonder, "How many times can you take the SAT or ACT?"
This guide breaks down the policies on SAT and ACT retakes, including how often you can take them, the costs involved, and whether colleges see multiple attempts. We’ll also cover the rules for retaking these exams after high school and provide strategies for improving scores.
Topics Covered:
Overview of SAT/ACT Retake Limits and Policies
The Process of Registering for a SAT/ACT Retake
Costs and Fee Waiver Options
Retaking the SAT/ACT After High School
Tips for Boosting Scores on a Retake
SAT & ACT Retakes: At a Glance
SAT RETAKES
Retakes: Unlimited
How often: 7 times per year
Exam fee: $68
When: During or after high school
Scores Released: 2 - 4 weeks
Retake Strategies
FAQs
ACT RETAKES
Retakes: Unlimited
How often: 7 times per year
Exam fee: $65 - $90
When: During or after high school
Scores Released: 1 - 8 weeks
Retake Strategies
FAQs
Limits and Policies on SAT & ACT Retakes
Many students wonder: How many times can you take/retake the SAT or ACT? Can you take the SAT/ACT more than once? The answer is yes! Both the SAT and ACT retake policies allow students to improve their scores by taking the test more than once. There is no limit to how many times students can take the SAT/ACT. Below are more details about the number of times you can take the ACT/SAT based on each specific exam.
| Question | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|
| How many times can you take the SAT/ACT? | No Limit | No Limit |
| How often can you take the SAT/ACT in a year? | The SAT Exam is offered 7 times per year | The ACT Exam is offered 7 times per year |
Pro Tip
Understanding the SAT retake and ACT retake policies can help students strategize their testing schedules and maximize their scores for college admissions.
Retaking the SAT & ACT: Rules and Process
Can you retake the SAT/ACT? Yes, both tests allow retakes, giving students an opportunity to improve their scores. Understanding when and how you can retake the SAT or ACT can help you plan effectively.
| Question | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|
| What is the retake process for the SAT/ACT? | Simply register for an upcoming test date through the College Board. | You will need to register for the new test date and if section retesting, the appropriate section(s). |
| When can you retake the SAT/ACT? | You can retake the test on any of the scheduled dates throughout the year. | You can retake the full test on any official test date. |
Costs and Fees for Retaking the SAT & ACT
How much is it to retake the ACT/SAT? The cost of retaking the SAT or ACT depends on whether you take the basic exam or opt for additional services. Understanding these fees can help students budget for multiple attempts and decide the best approach for improving their scores.
| Question | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|
| How much does it cost to retake the SAT/ACT? | The registration fee is $68. | Same as the initial test cost: $65 without writing, $90 with writing |
| Are there any fee waivers for SAT or ACT retakes? | Yes, you can request a fee waiver from the College Board. | Yes, the ACT does offer fee waivers. |
Retaking the SAT & ACT After High School
You can take both exams after high school, but does that mean you should? Retaking standardized tests after high school can be beneficial, but it's important to weigh the effort against your goals, such as improving admission chances or securing financial aid.
| Question | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|
| Can you retake the SAT/ACT after high school? | Yes, many students retake it to improve their scores for college applications and scholarships. | Yes, and it can be a great way to expand your potential scholarship/transfer opportunities. |
| Can you retake the SAT/ACT in college or as a senior? | Yes, there is no age limit for the SAT. | Yes, the ACT doesn’t have an age limit. |
SAT & ACT Score Release Timeline
For the SAT and ACT, multiple-choice scores are usually available about 10 - 14 days after the test, though writing scores may take a bit longer. Keep in mind that College Board sending scores to colleges can take an additional 1–2 weeks, depending on the method and processing time.
| Question | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|
| How long does it take for SAT/ACT scores to come out? | 2 - 4 weeks, depending on if you took the test on the weekend or weekday. | 10 days to 3 weeks depending on weekend/weekday testing. |
| How long does it take to get digital SAT/ACT scores? | Typically 2 weeks after test day. View specific dates this year here. | 2 - 3 business days, but 2 - 3 weeks with the writing section. |
Strategies for Retaking the SAT & ACT
Retaking the SAT or ACT can be a great opportunity to improve your score, but preparation is key to maximizing your performance. Proper planning and study strategies can make a significant difference.
How to prepare for retaking the SAT or ACT?
Understand your weak areas by going over answers to practice exams
Take practice tests
Consider Tutoring or Test Prep Courses
Ask teachers for help on important concepts
Read consistently – the more you read, the better you’ll do on the SAT and ACT
Tips for taking the ACT and SAT
Develop effective study habits
Create a study schedule that leads up to the exam date
Stay calm on test day
Review test-taking strategies
Pace yourself - remember time management
ACT & SAT Retake FAQs
Can you retake only one section of the ACT?
Yes! The ACT offers section retesting, which allows students to retake only specific sections instead of the entire test. However, you must have already taken the full ACT at least once to be eligible.
Do colleges see how many times you take the SAT/ACT?
It depends on the college's score-reporting policy. Some colleges see all your scores, while others allow Score Choice (SAT) or ACT Superscoring, which means they only consider your highest section scores. While taking the SAT/ACT multiple times isn’t necessarily bad, excessive retakes may raise questions about consistency. Always check individual college policies to determine how they view multiple test attempts.
What is Superscoring?
Superscoring is only available for the ACT.
“Your superscore is the average of your best scores from each subject from multiple test attempts. Your superscore is never lower than a single Composite score.”
Source: Superscore FAQs - College and Career Readiness | ACT
Do you have to retake the ACT if you get a 36?
No, if you achieve a perfect ACT score of 36, there is absolutely no need to retake the test. A 36 is the highest possible score and demonstrates mastery of the exam’s content.
Conclusion
Key Takeaways
Students can retake the SAT and ACT multiple times, with no official limit on attempts.
Understanding the costs, retake strategies, and college score policies can help students make informed decisions.
Final Advice
Plan your test schedule strategically, allowing time for preparation between attempts.
Take advantage of superscoring and score choice options where applicable.
If you’re planning to retake the SAT or ACT, start by reviewing test prep resources, taking practice exams, and strategically scheduling your next test date.
