Standardized tests such as the SAT and ACT remain an important part of the college admissions process, even as more schools adopt test-optional policies. They provide a standard benchmark for admissions teams and can be especially valuable for merit scholarships or selective programs. But one of the most important questions parents face is: “How many times should my student take the SAT or ACT?”

🎙️Listen to these conversations on When Should You Take The SAT Or ACT? and What To Do When A Test Score Disappoints on the Tests and the Rest podcast.

🎯 Typical Recommendation: 2–3 Times

Most students benefit from taking their chosen exam two to three times. This range is optimal for improving scores without causing burnout or unnecessary stress.

• The first sitting gives a baseline score, helping your student understand their strengths and weaknesses.

• The second sitting often shows the most significant improvement, as students prepare with specific strategies and targeted practice.

• The third attempt can be helpful in fine-tuning, especially if your student is chasing a cutoff score for scholarships or their dream schools.

Scores tend to plateau after the second or third sitting, so we recommend preparing well in advance and limiting the total number of attempts.

🚫 How Many Is Too Many?

Technically, students can take the SAT or ACT as many times as they want: there are no strict upper limits. However:

• Taking the SAT more than six times can signal ineffective preparation and can waste time, money, and energy.

• Retesting without a clear plan, because repeated low-effort attempts rarely improve scores.
  
  

What does this mean for parents? Encourage thoughtful testing, not endless retesting. Students should retake the exam only with a solid improvement plan, whether through structured preparation, tutoring, or focused practice tests.

📅 Planning a Smart Testing Timeline

A strong testing strategy includes thoughtful scheduling:
✅ Take a diagnostic practice test before junior year to choose the best fit (SAT vs ACT).
✅ Plan the first official test in winter/spring of junior year.
✅ Use analysis from the first test to plan targeted prep for a second sitting.
✅ If needed, schedule a third sitting before early fall of senior year—but only if improvement strategies are ready.

We recommend approximately four attempts for students with more extensive preparation plans or specific score goals, such as for merit scholarships or admission to highly selective colleges. However, most students will succeed within 2–3 well-prepared sittings.

🧭 When It Makes Sense to Retest

Parents can help decide when another test makes sense if:
✅ Your student’s score is just below the target for a scholarship or acceptance range.
✅ There were external factors—like illness or test anxiety—that likely lowered performance.
✅ Your student has enough time for focused test prep targeting weak spots before the next date.

🧠 When to Stop Retesting

If your student’s score is already competitive for their target schools—or if further retesting interferes with academics or well-being—it's time to pause. Remember: colleges consider the whole student, not just a test score. Essays, GPA, activities, and recommendations are equally important.

🔚 Final Takeaway for Parents

✅ Most students should plan to take the SAT or ACT 2–3 times.
✅ Focus on prep before retesting to maximize score growth.
✅ Avoid repeated, unfocused testing—scores usually plateau after two or three attempts.
✅ Above all, anchor your student’s plan in a thoughtful timeline with clear goals.

Let’s help your student achieve their best score—with confidence, not burnout.

Ready to Make a Testing Plan?

At Seeley Test Pros/LEAP, we assist families in designing personalized test timelines that balance preparation, well-being, and college goals. Reach out to learn more about our tutoring, test diagnostics, and retake strategies. We offer:

✔️ SAT vs ACT planning sessions
✔️ Full-length diagnostic testing
✔️ 1:1 customized tutoring
✔️ Comprehensive ACT & SAT test prep

🙋 Questions? We’re Here to Help!

📞 Cleveland: 216-965-5162
📞 Cincinnati: 513-754-2240

📧 Email us at info@leaprogram.com 
📝 For an individualized test plan for your student, complete the ACT/SAT Planning Request Form.