Click here to go to the NEW College Discussion Forum

How many times should one take the SATs?

I understand that it's good to go from something like a 1000 to a 1400, but what about a 1400 -> 1300-> 1500? Does it show continuity to colleges? Does taking the test more than twice help or hurt your chances?

Thanks

By Captcalculus (Captcalculus) on Sunday, October 12, 2003 - 01:37 pm: Edit

no, it doesnt. they will take your highest score

By Meggykewpie (Meggykewpie) on Sunday, October 12, 2003 - 04:30 pm: Edit

Its a common misconception that if you take it a ton of times colleges will think it's bad, but its really take it as many times until you get what you really want.

By Ageorgis (Ageorgis) on Sunday, October 12, 2003 - 04:31 pm: Edit

Colleges don't care, because the higher score you get, the higher average score they have. It's a win-win situation kind of thing.

By Tennizpro06 (Tennizpro06) on Sunday, October 12, 2003 - 05:44 pm: Edit

no.. you really shouldn't take it any more than 3 times. maaaaybe 4. this came from the outh of some ad com can't remember wehre i found it though. basically, it shows that you're really not that smart and scores after awhile, although higher, won't really count for much

By Aeg315 (Aeg315) on Sunday, October 12, 2003 - 07:16 pm: Edit

In High School, you probably shouldn't take the SATs more than 2-3 times. A lot of people take the SATs for various nerdy camps that they want to attend in Middle School, but those don't count. Most people take it in May of their Junior years and perhaps in October or November of their Senior years. Taking the SATs a third time should really only be done if you are anticipating going up 50+ points. Otherwise, taking the SATs again and getting 10 points lower or 10 points higher probably won't matter in the least bit to colleges. Taking it a fourth time is really pushing it. Yes, they look at your highest score, but you reach a certain point when it is obvious that you are just wasting your time going up 10 points at a time.