Okay, so I’m applying to college this fall, and I’m really stressed about my standardized test scores. I took the SAT once and got a decent score, like a 1400, but I think I could do better. My dream school has a much higher average SAT score, closer to a 1550, and I’m worried my current score isn’t competitive enough.
But I’ve also heard horror stories about students retaking tests and actually doing WORSE. I’m mostly worried about two things:
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What if I score lower on the retake? Like, say I got that 1400 the first time, but then I only get a 1350 the second time. Does that look bad? Will colleges see both scores and think I’m getting worse under pressure? I know some schools superscore, but what if the ones I’m applying to don’t? Will they just see the lower score? I’m applying to a mix of public and private schools, including some Ivy League.
- Does it make me look obsessive or like I’m trying too hard? I don’t want to give the impression that I’m overly focused on test scores and not on other aspects of my application, like my extracurriculars or essays. I’m worried colleges will think I’m trying to "game" the system instead of focusing on actually learning. I have pretty good grades and a strong essay, but I’m worried my test score is the weak point.
So, is it generally a good idea to retake a standardized test if you think you can improve, or is there a risk it could actually hurt my chances? What are the factors I should consider before registering for another test?
Answer
Retaking standardized tests like the SAT or ACT can have both potential benefits and drawbacks on your college application. Whether it ultimately helps or hurts depends on various factors, including your initial score, the improvement you demonstrate, the specific policies of the colleges you’re applying to, and the overall strength of your application.
Potential Benefits:
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Score Improvement: The most obvious benefit is the potential to achieve a higher score. A significantly improved score can demonstrate your dedication to academic improvement, your ability to learn from mistakes, and your commitment to performing well in college. Colleges generally want to see that you’re motivated to succeed and capable of growth. A higher score can make your application more competitive, especially if your initial score was below the average range for admitted students at your target schools.
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Meeting Score Expectations: Many colleges publish the middle 50% range of SAT/ACT scores for their admitted students. If your initial score fell below this range, retaking the test and achieving a score within or above the range can significantly improve your chances of admission. It shows that you are academically prepared to handle the college’s curriculum.
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Demonstrating Effort and Perseverance: Retaking a challenging standardized test requires time, effort, and dedication. Successfully improving your score demonstrates your willingness to work hard to achieve your goals. This can be a positive attribute in the eyes of admissions officers.
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Scholarship Opportunities: Many merit-based scholarships are tied to standardized test scores. A higher score can qualify you for more scholarship opportunities and potentially reduce the overall cost of college.
- Superscoring: Some colleges employ a practice called "superscoring." This means they will consider your highest section scores across multiple test dates, even if those scores come from different administrations of the SAT or ACT. For example, if you scored higher on the math section on one test date and higher on the reading section on another, the college will combine your best math and reading scores to create your composite score. If a college superscores, retaking the test is generally advantageous, as it gives you more opportunities to achieve your highest possible section scores.
Potential Drawbacks:
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Score Decline or Minimal Improvement: If you retake the test and your score remains the same or decreases, it might not be viewed favorably. While a slight decrease is unlikely to be a major issue, a significant drop could raise concerns about your test-taking abilities or preparation. Minimal improvement may also suggest that your efforts to prepare were not effective.
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Test-Optional Policies: Many colleges have adopted test-optional or test-blind admissions policies. In these cases, submitting test scores is not required, and in the case of test-blind schools, not considered at all. If a college is test-optional and your scores are not particularly strong, submitting them might not enhance your application and could even detract from other stronger aspects, such as your GPA, essays, or extracurricular activities. It is important to consider whether your score adds value to your application given the school’s policy.
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Time and Resource Investment: Preparing for and retaking standardized tests requires a significant investment of time and resources. This time could potentially be spent on other activities that might strengthen your application, such as improving your grades in challenging courses, pursuing meaningful extracurricular activities, or working on your college essays. If your time and resources are limited, you should carefully consider whether retaking the test is the most effective way to improve your application.
- Potential for Stress and Anxiety: Standardized tests can be a source of stress and anxiety for many students. Retaking the test can exacerbate these feelings, potentially impacting your overall well-being and academic performance. It’s important to consider the potential emotional toll of retaking the test and to prioritize your mental health.
College Policies:
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Score Choice: The College Board (SAT) and ACT allow students to choose which scores they want to send to colleges. This gives you some control over which test dates are considered. However, some colleges require you to submit all of your scores, regardless of whether you want them to be considered.
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Superscoring: As mentioned earlier, some colleges superscore, while others do not. Knowing a college’s policy on superscoring is crucial in deciding whether to retake the test.
- Test-Optional/Test-Blind Policies: As mentioned earlier, many colleges are test-optional or test-blind, making the decision to retake more complex.
Other Considerations:
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Overall Application Strength: Standardized test scores are just one component of your college application. Colleges consider a holistic review that also includes your GPA, coursework rigor, extracurricular activities, essays, letters of recommendation, and demonstrated leadership skills. If other areas of your application are strong, a slightly lower test score might not be a significant detriment.
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Target Schools: Consider the specific colleges you’re applying to and their average test scores for admitted students. If your current score is already within or above the average range for your target schools, retaking the test might not be necessary. However, if your score is significantly below the average, retaking the test could be a worthwhile investment.
- Preparation Strategies: If you decide to retake the test, make sure to develop a comprehensive preparation strategy. This might involve taking practice tests, reviewing content, working with a tutor, or enrolling in a test preparation course. Effective preparation can significantly increase your chances of improving your score.
In conclusion:
Retaking standardized tests can be a strategic decision that can potentially enhance your college application, especially if you can significantly improve your score. However, it’s important to carefully weigh the potential benefits and drawbacks, consider the specific policies of the colleges you’re applying to, and assess your overall application strength before making a decision. A slight decline in score or a score that is not submitted to a test-optional school is not likely to hurt your application.
