How Many Tests Is Too Much?

<p>So, recently I took the SAT for the first time on January 25th, and this was to get an idea of what a full test day would be like, even though I still cared a lot about what I scored. However, I also signed up for the March 8th test. The problem is that scores come out in 3 days, but the registration deadline for the March test was February 7th. I worry that I won't have enough time to practice more for the March 8th test.</p>

<p>I would consider taking three SATs, but would I look like someone who cares too much about my score if I take 3?</p>

<p>What year are you in school? For the “average” student, I personally would suggest taking the ACT or the SAT twice as a junior and once as a senior. Ideally as a junior, the 2nd sitting would probably be in May/June at the end of the school year.</p>

<p>Also keep in mind that if you did not do well on one test you may want to consider trying the other test… my S did not do well on the SAT but does very well on the ACT.</p>

<p>You have the benefit of taking the SAT as many times as you want and desire, so utilize it! Just remember you have to pay the money for it haha. The most important thing is to not just waste your money if you are going to get around the same score each time… If you think you significantly improved, then try and take it again!</p>

<p>Also, many colleges superscore, where they take your highest scores for each section to give you a total score. Taking it several times may be beneficial to you because you will be able to yield the maximum benefit.</p>

<p>So to answer your question, take it a few times if you are going to improve and want to try for a better score. Otherwise, don’t waste your time or money.</p>

<p>I’m currently a Junior. I’m guessing I would do better on the SAT than the ACT, for on practice tests I usually get around 700 per section. However, those practice tests were weeks before the actual test, and in that time I learned many new strategies that I used on the test, so hopefully I reached my goals of 740 Math, 730 CR, and (hopefully) 700 on Writing. The only worry I had was that colleges sometimes don’t like to see kids who tried more than two times, maybe three. My eventual goal is 2300+ for the March 8th SAT.</p>

<p>The standard procedure for SAT is to take the test a maximum of three times. If the schools you’re applying to allow for score choice then it really doesn’t matter, but for schools (typically elite, ivy league, etc) which do not accept score choice 3 is the highest you want to go. The ACT is different since, the way the ACT sends scores, you have full score choice when sending you ACT test scores</p>

<p>Three should be your absolute max. Prepare very well for your next one to decrease the chance of you having to take it a third time. I prepared a lot hoping to only take it once, but I ended up having to retake and stuck with my second score. The goal is to enjoy as many Saturday mornings as possible!</p>

<p>Thank you for the insight, saif235, and Cosmogony… (hehe)</p>