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The Power of Retesting: How a Summer SAT or ACT Can Boost Admissions Odds
With standardized testing making a strong return in college admissions, many juniors are asking the right question: should I take the SAT or ACT one more time? The answer, for many students, is yes—a small bump in your score could make a big difference, especially at competitive colleges where being in the top quartile matters more than ever.
Schools like Yale, Dartmouth, Brown, Penn, and UT Austin have brought back test score requirements. Even at test-optional schools, students who submit strong scores often enjoy higher admission rates and stronger scholarship consideration. A 50-point increase on the SAT or a 1-point increase on the ACT might be all it takes to push your student into a higher percentile—and open up new doors.
Why the Top Quartile Matters
Colleges typically report a “middle 50% range” for SAT and ACT scores among admitted students. When your student’s score lands in the top 25%, it sends a clear signal: they’re not just competitive—they’re standout applicants.
That’s especially important for reach schools, where acceptance rates are low and admissions decisions are made between hundreds of academically qualified students. At programs like UT Austin’s Business Honors or Computer Science, a score above 1500 can be a meaningful tipping point.
Even small improvements count. If your student is sitting just below a school’s top quartile range, a focused push toward a 50-point SAT or 1-point ACT boost can make a measurable impact. It’s not just about the number—it’s about
demonstrating academic readiness, resilience, and growth.
Superscoring Makes Retesting Worthwhile
Many colleges use superscoring, meaning they’ll combine the highest section scores from multiple test sittings. So even if your student’s overall score doesn’t climb dramatically, a higher math or reading score from a second or third test might help improve their composite.
Summer and Early Fall Test Dates Matter
Summer is an ideal time to retest. Without the demands of school and extracurriculars, students can prep more consistently—and enter senior year with their testing complete.
Upcoming SAT Test Dates
- June 7, 2025
- August 23, 2025 (great for students who prep over the summer)
- September 13, 2025 (early enough for most early deadlines)
Upcoming ACT Test Dates
- June 14, 2025
- July 12, 2025 (note: not available in all locations)
- September 16, 2025 (last chance before early application deadlines)
For students applying Early Action or Early Decision, the August and September dates are particularly strategic. They allow students to test before senior year workloads spike and ensure scores arrive in time for fall deadlines.
One More Test = More Than Just Admissions
Beyond the admit letter, strong scores can unlock merit scholarships and honors college invitations. That can translate into tens of thousands of dollars saved over four years. It’s not just a number—it’s an investment in future options.
Make a Strategic Call
Retesting isn’t right for every student. If test anxiety is high or previous results have plateaued, focusing on other application elements may be smarter. But for students within reach of the top quartile—or hoping to qualify for aid—a final round of focused prep and testing could be the edge that changes everything.
In short: one more SAT or ACT this summer could be the smartest move your student makes. With colleges giving renewed weight to scores, and superscoring working in their favor, the case for juniors retesting has never been stronger. Just be sure to plan ahead—because this window closes quickly.