How do I Retake the SAT?

If you've already taken the SAT and want to try again for a better score, the process is simpler than you might expect. This guide walks you through how to register for a retake and helps you decide whether retaking is the right move.

How Do I Retake the SAT?

The registration process for a retake is nearly identical to your first time. Here's how it works:

1. Pick a test date. Check the upcoming SAT dates on College Board's website and click "Register" under the date you want. Each test date has a regular registration deadline and a late registration deadline (which comes with an extra fee). There's also a separate deadline for making changes to your test date or center.

2. Log in to your College Board account. You'll be redirected to mysat.collegeboard.org/login. Since you've registered before, your account already exists.

3. Step 1: Enter Your Information. Verify that your name, high school, grade, and address are still correct. You'll also be asked about demographics, GPA, class rank, courses, activities, and future plans.

4. Step 2: Select Date and Test Center. Choose the date and location that work best for you. Some students pick the August date so they can prep over summer break. Note that you'll have 20 minutes to finish registering once you start, since seats at popular test centers fill up fast.

5. Step 3: Upload Your Photo. Review the photo from your previous registration. Make sure your face, head, and shoulders are fully visible with proper lighting and focus so you're identifiable on test day.

6. Step 4: Check Out. Enter your billing info. You can optionally add the Question-and-Answer Service (QAS) or the Student Answer Service (SAS) for $16$. These services show you which questions you got right and wrong, which is genuinely useful for targeted practice if you plan to retake again. If you have a fee waiver, you won't be charged anything.

Once you've completed all four steps, you're registered for your retake.

Should You Retake the SAT?

Not sure if a retake is worth it? Here are the main factors to weigh.

Grade Level

If you're a freshman, sophomore, or junior, retaking is almost always a good idea. You have time to prep and improve before applications are due.

If you're a senior, you can still retake by October (for most Early Action/Decision deadlines) or December (for most Regular Decision deadlines). But at that point, the time you'd spend on SAT prep might be better spent refining your essays, extracurricular descriptions, and other parts of your application.

Level of Competitiveness

When building your college list, schools generally fall into three categories:

• Safety schools: You're very likely to be admitted based on your profile.
• Match schools: You fit their admitted student profile, but admission isn't guaranteed.
• Reach schools: These are highly selective, and admission is competitive and often unpredictable.

Most colleges publish the 25th and 75th percentile SAT scores of their admitted students. You can find this data by searching "[college name] common data set" or "[college name] CDS."

For example, Purdue University's 2020-21 CDS shows a middle 50% SAT range of 1190 to 1430.

If your score falls below the 25th percentile for your target schools, a retake could meaningfully strengthen your application. That said, SAT scores are just one piece of the admissions picture, especially at schools with holistic review.

Affordability

As of June 2023, the SAT costs [object Object],[object Object]. If you're also taking AP, IB, CLEP, or ACT exams, testing fees add up quickly.

If you qualify for a fee waiver, you get significant benefits: 2 free SAT registrations, 2 free Answer Services, unlimited free score reports, and no late fees. If you don't qualify, check with your school counselor. Many schools have PTA or administration programs that help cover testing costs.

Closing Remarks

If you do decide to retake, or you've just signed up for one, check out our guide on how the SAT is scored so you know exactly what you're working with.