How Many Times Can You Take the SAT?
Take the SAT as many times as needed
6 min read
Introduction to SAT Retakes
The College Board allows students to take the SAT as many times as they want. There is no limit on the number of times a student can take the test. Most students take the test 2 or 3 times. Each test administration costs $64.50 for the SAT with the essay, or $49.50 without the essay.
When to Take the SAT
Most students take the SAT in the spring of their junior year. They may take it again in the fall of their senior year. The Digital SAT is 2 hours 14 minutes long, and scores run from 400 to 1600. Each section, Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, and Math, is scored from 200 to 800.
Section Adaptive Test
The Digital SAT is section adaptive. This means the first module decides whether the second module is the easier or harder one. Students should prepare for the first module to increase their chances of getting the easier second module. The tradeoff is that students need to prepare for both modules.
Preparing for Retakes
To prepare for retakes, students should review their previous test results. They should focus on improving their weaknesses. The SAT has two 32 minute modules of 27 questions for Reading and Writing, and two 32 minute modules of 22 questions for Math. Students should practice these question types to improve their scores.
Sending Scores to Colleges
Students can choose which scores to send to colleges. They can send their highest total score, or their highest section scores. This is called Score Choice. The College Board also offers a service to send four free score reports to colleges.
Conclusion
Taking the SAT multiple times can improve scores. Students should prepare for each test administration, and review their results to identify weaknesses. With the right preparation, students can achieve their target scores.
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