Does the Number of Times You Take the SAT Matter?
The prevailing view once held that highly selective colleges looked unfavorably on students taking the SAT more than two or three times. This belief, however, stems from an outdated practice where students had to report all their scores. Nowadays, most colleges, including highly selective ones, focus primarily on the highest individual section scores (Reading/Writing and Math), regardless of when these scores were achieved. Essentially, the frequency of taking the SAT isn't a significant concern for colleges.
Nevertheless, the question remains pertinent, with various advantages and disadvantages to consider.
Advantages:
Improved Performance: Many students find that their scores improve on subsequent attempts, as they become more familiar with the test's format and better manage test anxiety.
Superscoring: This widely used practice involves colleges considering the highest score from each section across different test dates. Multiple attempts at the SAT can provide opportunities to maximize section scores.
Disadvantages:
Cost and Time Investment: The financial cost and time commitment of taking the SAT multiple times can be significant. For many students, the time spent preparing for the SAT, often at the expense of other activities, can be a substantial burden.
Opportunity Cost: The time dedicated to SAT preparation could potentially be allocated to other important areas, such as academic work or extracurricular activities. This trade-off needs careful consideration.
Conclusion:
Deciding how often to take the SAT should be a strategic choice, tailored to the individual's current score and the score range desired by their target schools. It's a decision that balances potential score improvements against the costs and sacrifices involved.