Feed

Is there any specific number of times... I mean, is there a limit?
Can you take it as many times as you want?

Also, if you don't want to register online for the SAT, how do you register by mail?

I'm sorry if these are very common questions, but I am very confused.

proud08er

The conventional max is 3 times, mainly because a) your scores *usually* plateau by the third time and b) it seems obsessive to colleges that you're willing to/have time to take the SAT more than 3 times

But yes, theoretically, you could take the SAT as many times as you want

I don't know about registering by mail, but you could always register over the phone

tokenadult

These are very common questions, and they have a consistent answer.

A Retake on How Many Times to Take the SAT or ACT

My advice to applicants is to figure out what your target college is, and to take a look at the score ranges of the most recently reported admitted class.

College Search - Harvard College: SAT®, AP®, CLEP®

From there, figure out what score you should aim for. (I recommend trying to get to or above the 75th percentile of the admitted class at the target college on each test section, knowing that not everyone will get to that level.) Then READ, READ, READ, and READ any kinds of books or magazines you like. (That's the best single form of preparation for all standardized tests: practice reading so that you read accurately and rapidly.) Be familiar with the test format through practicing with a genuine previous test under actual test time limits before you take the test "for real." Prepare well (get a good night's sleep) each and every time you take a standardized test. Quit when you reach your target score, or when you reach the highest score you reasonably think you can, and then devote yourself to other activities besides test-taking. Always take the test honestly according to the test rules. Never cheat. Don't forget to consider

How do top scorers on tests fail to gain admission to top schools?

And most of all, relax. Most people do better on tests if they treat them as interesting challenges (which they are) and not as life-and-death experiences (which they are not).

Good luck. Does that answer your question?

Feed

Yes, thank you so much. That makes things a lot clearer.
And just to add, the last link was scary.

Also, you seem well acquainted with how everything works about the SAT. Could you please explain how I can register for the SAT [not online]?

llpitch

I'll be taking the SAT 3 times, the ACT 2 times.

MD_Mom

Feed,
Your guidance counselor ought to have registration info.
SAT Registration by Mail

Tyler09

to answer the question, i think twice.

once to get a feel for it and experiment, and once for real.

IBProcrastinator

As many times as it takes to reach your maximum score, would be my advice. Just as long as your score is not dropping between sittings.

battleidiot

is it true some schools average out your scores if u take it the 3rd time?
UC's maybe? maybe no?

tokenadult

No, that is not the policy of any college. The usual college policy is to give each student the benefit of his or her highest scores.

Handyandy58

I took SAT twice, ACT once. I decided that after that excellent math score came in from the second SAT came in, superscored with the scores from my first, there would be no reason to take the ACT again.