Take SAT or ACT more than one time?

Test Preparation
1

<p>I have seen a lot of advice to target taking the SAT up to three times.</p>

<p>I have seen little to no commentary on taking the SAT only 1 time. I just heard from someone that colleges look down on that. I do not believe I will do better on a second attempt.</p>

<p>I got M = 800, CR = 720, WR = 770. I know the obvious statement would be that the CR and WR have room to improve, but in all honesty, I got an all time high on the CR score compared to all of the practice exams I took preparing for the test.</p>

<p>On the ACT front, I got M=36, S=36, R=34, and W=31. (Composite of 34). I think I stand a better chance of increasing the ACT scores, but it would be a crap shoot based upon my practice exam results.</p>

<p>Either way, I would appreciate feedback on the dilemma. The specific dilemma of having scores I am happy with but having received advice that schools will look down upon having only taken the SAT and/or ACT only one time.</p>

<p>Thank you for your feedback.</p>

2

<p>There is nothing wrong with taking standardized tests “only” once. All that matters is that you achieve your desired score within a reasonable number of attempts (< 4). Since your ACT English score is a bit lacking per highly-selective/Ivy-level school standards, it is advisable that you retake the ACT. If you score lower on the other sections, but improve on English, you will have a superscore to lean back on (at least for the schools that superscore). </p>

<p>Btw congrats on the fantastic scores! Good Luck! :)</p>

3

<p>There is no earthly reason to retake either test. Both my Ds only took each test one time (similar scores to yours). Good luck.</p>