SAT Scores: What Happens If You Retake the Exam and Score Worse
When you take the SAT multiple times, your scores do not get deleted. This means that even if you score lower the second time, you can still choose to send your higher score from the first attempt. Understanding the score choice policy and your options is crucial for a successful application process.
Score Choice Policy and Its Variations
Most colleges you apply to allow you to use a score choice policy, which permits you to select which SAT scores to send as part of the admissions process. However, it's essential to review the specific policies of the colleges you're applying to, as some might require you to send all scores from all test dates.
When you request to send SAT scores, the College Board will send all available scores unless you specifically cancel them before they are issued. While you can cancel scores before issuing, once scores have been released, they cannot be rescinded. This is a crucial point to remember when deciding which scores to send.
College Policies and Practices
Policies about how to handle multiple SAT scores vary from one college to another. Some institutions will take the best individual scores, while others will take the best overall score or average all of your scores. It's important to check the specific policies of each college you're applying to.
Some colleges, like Stanford, require you to submit all of your test scores. However, if you have an option, you can choose which score to send if you have taken the SAT more than once. Others combine your scores in a process known as super scoring. This means they will take your highest scores by section and combine them into the highest SAT score possible.
ACT vs. SAT
It's worth noting that the ACT has a different policy. Unlike the SAT, the ACT allows you to remove test results from your record if you choose to do so. This flexibility can be beneficial if you decide to retake the ACT and improve your scores.
Getting the Best Admissions Strategy
To ensure you're making the best decision for your application, it's crucial to determine what SAT scores to send to each college. Many colleges have an admissions section on their website where you can find their test submission policy. Some schools will allow you to choose which scores to send, while others will combine the best scores possible.
Understanding the score choice policy and your options can significantly impact your applications. If you have an option, choose the scores that present the strongest representation of your abilities to the admissions committee.
For more information on SAT policies and strategies, visit the College Board website.