Can You Retake the PSAT or SAT? What Parents Need to Know
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Before applying to college, many middle school and high school students take standardized tests as part of the college application process. Two of the most common are the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and the Preliminary SAT (PSAT). These exams can play a significant role in college admissions, scholarships, and a student's overall confidence in their academic standing. If you find yourself asking, “Can you retake the SAT test?” this article will tell you everything you need to know.
Can Students Retake the PSAT or SAT?
The College Board is a non-profit organization that administers the PSAT, SAT, Advanced Placement (AP), and other college entrance exams. There is no official limit on how many times a student can retake the PSAT and SAT. However, the policy for which scores students need to submit rests with the college. Students also must pay additional fees to retake these tests unless they have fee waivers.
While the differences between PSATs and SATs aren’t as significant as those between the SAT and ACT, students and parents should understand the key differences between these two. Most colleges in the U.S. require or accept SAT scores with college applications. These scores are one factor that colleges use to determine if the student is eligible, along with their grades, extracurricular activities, and a personal essay. SAT scores range from 400 to 1600 and are the sum of the Reading and Writing sections and the Math section.
Colleges don’t see students’ PSAT scores. These tests are only for helping students start SAT prep. There are multiple PSAT tests available:
- PSAT 8/9: This test is for 8th and 9th-graders and helps them get an early understanding of strengths and weaknesses.
- PSAT 10: This test is for 10th graders. Along with giving students a head start on their SAT studies, some scholarship partners factor PSAT 10 scores into their decisions.
- PSAT/NMSQT: This test gives a further indication of how ready a student is for the SAT. Students who take the PSAT/NMSQT and meet other entry requirements can enter the National Merit Scholarship Program.
PSAT exams mirror the SAT's structure and content, with scores ranging from 320 to 1520 across Reading and Writing and Math. PSAT scores are purely diagnostic; a low score isn't a setback, it's guidance. What matters most is not how many times a student tests, but how intentionally they prepare between attempts.
How Many Times Can You Retake the SAT — and When It Makes Sense
Students can take the SAT as many times as they want. Most schools don’t require students to submit all test scores, meaning students can take multiple attempts at reaching their target score. However, simply taking the tests doesn’t mean students will improve each time. It’s a good idea to space tests out so that test takers have time to evaluate their weak points and create a plan to improve.
The College Board recommends taking the SAT twice. It also gives common test dates for SAT retakes. Most students take the SAT in the spring of their junior year first and then again in the fall of their senior year. This gives them the summer to study for the SAT retake and plenty of time to have their scores ready for fall and winter college admissions.
When Retaking the SAT Is (and Isn’t) a Smart Move
For many families, it's reassuring to learn that students can retake the SAT if their first score doesn't reflect their ability. Still, deciding whether to sit for the exam again should be intentional. There are clear situations where a retake makes sense, and others where it may add stress without meaningful benefit.
One of the major reasons for retaking the SAT is to improve your previous score. The College Board notes that many students get a better score the second time around. Most colleges will use the student’s highest score for their college application process.
There are other signs that a student should retake the SAT, too. If a student continually gets higher scores during the practice tests than on the actual test, it may be due to anxiety. Many students can struggle with time management or nerves during their first try. Taking the test more than once can help them get more comfortable with the process.
It’s also vital to realize when retaking the SAT isn’t worth it. If a student receives a high score that qualifies them for the school they’re applying to, it may not make sense to retake the exam. Likewise, if a student has already taken the SAT multiple times and gets the same score each time, they’ve likely plateaued.
Taking the test over and over can cause anxiety and burnout. This can actually result in lower-than-normal scores, wasting both time and money. It’s important to remember that more attempts don’t always mean better scores. Increased pressure and additional tests can lead to a drop in confidence for test takers who don’t improve their scores.
Score Choice, Superscoring, and What Colleges Actually See
Colleges don’t see the score reports of every test a student takes. The College Board has a policy called score choice that allows students to have some control over what scores they put on their applications. However, it’s important to note that every college is different. Some colleges require submitting all scores, some recommend sending in all scores, and others accept score choice, where students can decide which scores to submit.
Some schools go beyond just taking the highest score and use a process called superscoring. Superscoring is when someone takes the test multiple times, and the school takes the best score in each section. For example, a student may score low in reading and high in math on their first attempt. When they retake the test, that same student may score higher in reading but lower in math. Superscoring takes the highest score in reading and pairs it with the highest score in math from all attempts.
Knowing how a college deals with scoring can help you or your child when it comes to test time. If a student is applying to a college that accepts superscoring, they may retake the test with a sole focus on improving one weak section. If a college accepts smart scores, students can feel confident taking the SAT multiple times to improve their all-around score.
How Strategic Prep Between Attempts Improves Results
Students can retake the SAT or PSAT as many times as they wish, but it doesn’t guarantee success. Similarly, retaking the exam without proper preparation usually doesn't help. Taking advantage of skilled tutors experienced in teaching the best SAT and PSAT test-taking techniques can make a big difference.
These tutors analyze past scores to create a more focused practice. These clear, individualized plans help build confidence and improve scores. For more details on how a tutor can help you or your child improve their SAT or PSAT scores, contact Alexander Tutoring today.
