The Pros and Cons of Retaking the SAT® in 2026-2027

Retaking the SAT costs the same as taking it the first time. Each time you sit for the SAT, you pay the standard registration fee again. According to the College Board, the current registration fee for the digital SAT in the United States is $68 per test attempt, regardless of whether it is your first try or a retake. Students testing outside the United States pay the base registration fee plus an additional international regional fee, which varies by country. Some students may qualify for fee waivers that allow them to take the SAT for free and reduce certain extra charges. Keep in mind that late registration, test centre changes, or canceling and re-registering can add extra costs on top of the basic registration fee.

There is no official limit on how many times you can take or retake the SAT. The College Board allows students to sit for the exam as many times as they choose. In practice, you are limited only by how many test dates are offered each year and what fits your schedule. The SAT is typically available on multiple national dates across the academic year, so you can plan 2 or more attempts if needed. Most students take the SAT 2 or 3 times at most, since scores tend to level off after a few attempts, and each retake costs additional time and money.

No. You cannot retake only one section of the SAT, even if you only want to improve Reading and Writing or Math. The SAT is administered as a complete exam, so every SAT retake includes all sections. If your goal is to raise just one area, the best strategy is to focus your prep on that weaker section while still maintaining your strengths. This can be especially useful if your target schools superscore, since improving one section can still raise your overall outcome. Using structured resources like SAT prep books can help you review weak skills efficiently before you retake the SAT.

It depends on the college and what scores you send. Many colleges only see the SAT scores you submit, but some schools require applicants to send scores from every attempt. That is why it is important to check each college’s score policy before you plan multiple SAT retakes. If a school allows score choice or superscoring, retaking the SAT can be a strategic move since colleges may focus on your best results. If a school requires all scores, focus on purposeful preparation, so each attempt shows progress. When in doubt, confirm the policy directly on the college’s admissions site.

Yes, you can retake the SAT after graduating high school. The SAT is not limited to current high school students, so you can register for a future test date as long as seats are available. Students often retake the SAT after graduation if they are reapplying, aiming for different schools, or trying to qualify for scholarships. If you are in a gap year, planning matters so your scores arrive in time for deadlines. Treat your SAT retake like a fresh attempt by using your prior score report to guide your prep. This helps ensure the next score reflects real improvement.

Yes, you can retake the SAT in college if you need a score for a transfer application, special program requirement, or other academic goal. The SAT retake process is the same: you register for an available test date, take the full exam, and then choose how to send scores based on the college’s policy. Before you retake the SAT, confirm whether the school you are applying to actually requires SAT scores, since many colleges are test-optional. If you do submit scores, a higher result can strengthen your application depending on the program. Make sure your prep is targeted so the retake is worth the time and cost.

Yes, many students retake the SAT as a senior, especially in the fall, to improve scores before college deadlines. The key is timing: plan your SAT retake so your scores are released and sent before your application and scholarship cutoffs. If you are applying Early Action or Early Decision, you may have fewer retake opportunities, so your prep needs to be focused. Seniors often benefit from working on the one section that is holding them back the most. If your school offers SAT School Day, it can be another option to consider when deciding when to retake the SAT. Avoid last-minute retakes that leave no time to study differently.

Yes, you can retake the SAT even after you have already sent scores to colleges. A new SAT retake does not replace your earlier scores automatically, but you can send updated results after your next test. Whether the college uses the highest score, superscore, or requires all scores depends on its policy. If you are aiming to improve your application, plan your retake so the new score reaches schools before their document deadlines. This is also why it helps to avoid excessive attempts and instead retake only when you are ready to improve. Use your prior results to build a prep plan that targets weak skills.

Yes. Test-optional policies mean you can choose whether to submit SAT scores, not that you cannot take the exam. If you believe a stronger score will improve your chances, retaking the SAT can be worthwhile even for test-optional schools. This is especially true if a higher score could support scholarship eligibility or strengthen an otherwise borderline application. Before planning a SAT retake, check whether your schools are test-optional, test-flexible, or test-required for your admission year. If you decide to submit, focus on a targeted prep plan so the retake produces a meaningful gain. If you decide not to submit, your time may be better spent elsewhere.

In many cases, yes, eligible students can use a fee waiver to reduce the cost of taking the SAT, and it may cover more than one test date depending on the student’s eligibility and waiver rules. This can make a SAT retake more accessible if cost is the main barrier. The exact coverage can vary, so confirm your eligibility through your school counselor or official College Board guidance before you register. Even with a waiver, avoid excessive attempts and retake only when you have a solid prep plan in place. Use the waiver strategically after reviewing your score report and setting clear section goals. That approach gives you the best chance of improving on your next attempt.