How many times is too many to take SAT?

[Anonymous]

DD got 1520 first time and then dropped to 1500 second. She is debating whether to take again. Does it look bad to colleges to take it three times, esp if she doesn't improve? We realize that 1520 is generally a great score but we know that for top schools it's average. For context, she did a handful of test prep sessions before each of her two test dates and a couple of practice tests. Was hoping to improve to 1550 or greater after first score. Currently a junior (MCPS), so would register for the Aug date if doing it again. We are inclined to have her not test again- but would appreciate perspectives from parents who've been through it

[Anonymous]

Three is too many.

[Anonymous]

I know some people take it 5 times and still get into great school.

If they superscore, they probably will not know how many times have you taken it anyways.

I won't waste more time on another test.

[Anonymous]

I think 4-5 is too many.

Have her take it again if she can commit to focusing to improve her score.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Three is too many.

+1

[Anonymous]

As many times as she wants. Most elite colleges will allow a Super Score across multiple test dates, so that is definitely to her advantage to keep drilling and improving. Frankly, I think it looks good for a kid to keep doing it and improving - it shows determination.

https://blog.prepscholar.com/which-colleges-superscore-the-sat

[Anonymous]

It is somewhat dependent on what schools she is targeting and what she wants to study. Generally speaking an expert will tell you that a school does not see a material difference between a 1520 and a 1550. But if your daughter scored an 800 on the verbal and a 720 on the math but is really aiming for a top, top stem program (MIT, Cal Tech, etc), then you might be advised to try again. For the vast majority of applicants, however, I think a 1520 is adequate and she should focus on improving other parts of her application. I don't think three times is too many, but I did hear an AO at an information session this year say that he had reviewed the application of a candidate who had taken the test seven times with a mediocre GPA. He made the point that that student should have worried more about his GPA and less about his test scores.

[Anonymous]

Colleges won’t know how many times you took it. Just report the two that you use to super score. Is her second one is worse than the first for both sections? If not, you can use the best section scores to super score. Now, my impression from doing a lot of research is that there is zero difference between 1520 and 1550 for the purposes of most college admissions but I don’t think it would hurt to take another test. There is randomness to it. My kid had 1520 on the first try. Didn’t prep at all for the second and got 1570.

[Anonymous]

Given how close the two scores are, that seems like right around where she would get a third time as well.

So... what would change? If she's going to do an intense in-person prep class or some private prep tutoring, then maybe it's worth it.
If she's going to review the same workbooks again for a third time, I wouldn't expect her scores to change much in the future, so it seems like a waste of time to do it all again.

[Anonymous]

I was a PP that agreed with max two attempts. I understand superscoring I am just of the opinion that between SOLs, AP, PSAT 9, 10, "11", practice and two SATs that these kids are standardize tested to death. Kind of an "it is, what it is" mentality.

[Anonymous]

be done with it and tell them to enjoy their senior year.

you will be amazed how happy they will be

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I was a PP that agreed with max two attempts. I understand superscoring I am just of the opinion that between SOLs, AP, PSAT 9, 10, "11", practice and two SATs that these kids are standardize tested to death. Kind of an "it is, what it is" mentality.

Your opinion doesn’t make much sense. There is very little downside to taking a third test. Just don’t spend much time on prepping at this point unless you haven’t prepped for the first two

[Anonymous]

Some schools, like Georgetown, require showing all tests taken. In that case, I’d hesitate to exceed three.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Colleges won’t know how many times you took it. Just report the two that you use to super score. Is her second one is worse than the first for both sections? If not, you can use the best section scores to super score. Now, my impression from doing a lot of research is that there is zero difference between 1520 and 1550 for the purposes of most college admissions but I don’t think it would hurt to take another test. There is randomness to it. My kid had 1520 on the first try. Didn’t prep at all for the second and got 1570.

Some colleges require you turn over all scores. Most don’t.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I was a PP that agreed with max two attempts. I understand superscoring I am just of the opinion that between SOLs, AP, PSAT 9, 10, "11", practice and two SATs that these kids are standardize tested to death. Kind of an "it is, what it is" mentality.

Your opinion doesn’t make much sense. There is very little downside to taking a third test. Just don’t spend much time on prepping at this point unless you haven’t prepped for the first two

PP...by 11th grade kids likely have the standardized test process down cold. Little deviation between two SATs. Don't think its worth the time and energy to take again. Obviously don't know the student but unless undisclosed situation. would be shocked to see a change in score. If