The Top 4 Benefits of Retaking the ACT or SAT

Navigating the path to college can be challenging for high school students, especially when faced with the daunting ACT or SATs. Many students don’t earn their goal score the first time they take the ACT or SAT, which is normal.  It often takes a handful of attempts to see growth and the score they want to achieve. Today, we’ll explore the practical reasons why your teen should plan to take the ACT or SAT more than once (we recommend 2-4 times). We’ll dive into the top five advantages of retaking the ACT or SAT, shedding light on how this decision could significantly impact your child’s academic future.

1. Improved scores can open more doors
   Let’s face it—higher test scores often translate to more opportunities. A higher score enhances your teen’s chances of getting into their dream school and increases the likelihood of securing scholarships. Retaking the ACT or SAT allows students to showcase their growth and determination, leaving a lasting impression on college admissions teams.Furthermore, certain colleges and universities even consider super scoring, a practice where they take the highest section scores across multiple test dates. By retaking the test, your teen can strategically target specific sections for improvement, maximizing their overall score and making their application more competitive.

2. Boost your confidence
   Success breeds confidence, and the same holds for standardized testing. Retaking the ACT or SAT allows students to build on their initial experience, helping them become more familiar with the format, question types, and time constraints. This increased familiarity often translates into a confidence boost, reducing test anxiety and enabling students to perform at their best.Moreover, preparing for a retake can instill valuable study habits and time management skills. As students improve their weaknesses, they develop a sense of control over the testing process, enhancing their overall academic confidence.

3. Access to targeted preparation
   One of the significant advantages of retaking the ACT or SAT is the opportunity for targeted preparation. After the first attempt, students receive a detailed score report highlighting their strengths and weaknesses in specific content areas. With this information, they can tailor their study plan to address areas that need improvement.Retaking the test also allows for a more focused approach to test preparation, enabling students to hone in on specific skills and strategies. Whether mastering algebraic concepts or fine-tuning reading comprehension skills, additional attempts provide a chance for targeted, efficient preparation that can make a tangible difference in the final score.

4. Aligning with college and career goals
   As your teen matures and refine their college and career aspirations, aligning test scores with these goals becomes crucial. Retaking the ACT or SAT allows students to reassess their college options, ensuring that their test scores align with the admission requirements of their preferred institutions and desired fields of study.This strategic approach can prevent potential roadblocks in the future. By retaking the test and improving scores, students increase their eligibility for specialized programs, scholarships, and majors that may have higher admission standards. It’s a proactive step to ensure their test scores align with their evolving academic and career journey.

While the decision to retake the ACT or SAT is personal, not doing so may have some drawbacks. Without a retake, students might miss the opportunity to showcase growth, potentially limiting their college options. Additionally, they may not qualify for certain scholarships with higher score requirements. Considering the long-term impact on their academic and career trajectory is essential.

In the changing world of college admissions, deciding to retake the ACT or SAT is important. Better scores, more confidence, and focused preparation make a real difference. Tell your teen to see the retake as a chance to get better and improve. Keep in mind iAchieve Learning specializes in 1:1 test prep for both the ACT and SATs, and we have great tutors who can help.  With our expert help, we will ensure that your teen does their best!

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