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Figuring out the ACT, it can be a real headache sometimes. A lot of students worry about how many times they can even take the test. They think there might be some strict limit or something. The good news is; there isn’t really a hard cap on attempts. You can take it quite a few times if you want to.
The ACT allows you to sit for the exam multiple times. There’s no specific number printed on their website saying “only five tries allowed.” This is different from some other tests out there. So, if your first score isn’t what you hoped for, you get more chances. This makes a lot of people feel better about testing.
Back in the day, the ACT used to have a 12-time limit. That rule changed a while ago. Now, in 2025, that limit is gone. You could, in theory, take the ACT every single test date offered. Most students don’t need to do that many times. It gets expensive, and it takes up a lot of time.
Colleges usually only look at your best scores. They often use something called “superscoring.” This means they take your highest scores from each section, even if they’re from different test dates. So, a good score in math one time and a good score in reading another time combine. This is a big deal for students trying to boost their numbers.
What’s interesting is how people approach this. Some kids take it once, get a great score, and are done. Others might take it two or three times. They’re just trying to get a few points higher. Every point can matter for scholarships or getting into certain programs. It just depends on what you need.
How Many Times Does the Average Student Take the ACT?
Most students who take the ACT don’t do it more than a couple of times. I’ve seen kids take it once and be totally fine. Many just try it twice; maybe once in junior year, then again in senior year. This often gives them the score they need without too much stress. There’s no real benefit to taking it excessively.
My own experience tells me that after the third or fourth try, big score jumps are less common. People tend to hit a plateau. You’ve probably learned most of what you can learn about the test format. The subject matter itself is usually the tricky part then. It becomes about content mastery, not just test strategy.
Think about the costs involved too. Every time you register for the ACT, it costs money. Plus, there are fees for sending scores to colleges. Those small amounts add up quickly. It’s smart to think about your budget when planning out test dates. Money isn’t unlimited for most families.
When Should You Consider Retaking the ACT?
You should consider retaking the ACT if you think you can realistically improve your score. Maybe you were sick on test day, or you made silly mistakes. If you studied more since your last test, that’s another good reason. A few extra points could make a real difference for your college choices.
A small score increase, say 1 or 2 points, can actually matter a lot. For example, moving from a 28 to a 30 is a pretty big jump. It puts you in a different percentile. That could open up more competitive schools. Or, it could unlock more scholarship money.
Sometimes, colleges want to see a specific section score be higher. You might have a great overall score, but one part is low. Maybe your English score needs work for a certain program. You can focus your study on just that one section. Then, you try again.
understanding ACT Superscoring
Superscoring is a major benefit for students taking the ACT multiple times. Colleges can take your highest individual section scores from all your attempts. They then combine these top scores to make a new, higher composite score. This often means your official reported score to a school looks better.
For example, say you got a 25 in English one time and a 30 in English another. The college would use the 30. Same goes for Math, Reading, and science. Your best of the best gets counted. This really helps if you’re strong in some areas but not others.
Not all colleges superscore, though. You have to check with each university you’re applying to. It’s a good idea to look at their admissions website or call them up. Don’t just assume every school does it. Knowing their policy helps you plan your testing.
factors to Consider Before Retaking the ACT
Before signing up for another ACT, think about a few things. First: have you actually studied more? Just taking it again without new preparation probably won’t help much. Second: what’s your target score? Do you really need to improve, or are you good enough?
Also, consider how much time you have. Are you juggling schoolwork, sports, and a job? Adding another ACT test might be too much. Burnout is a real thing. You don’t want to get stressed out right before college applications are due. Manage your time smartly.
The Time Commitment: Beyond Test Day
Taking the ACT isn’t just about the test day itself. It involves weeks, maybe months, of preparation. You’ve got to review content; practice questions; take full-length tests. This all takes time away from other stuff. It’s a serious commitment.
Some students might spend 100 hours or more studying for the ACT. That’s a lot of time. If you’re going to put in that effort, make sure it’s worth it. You should have a clear goal in mind. Just retaking it on a whim might not be the best use of your time.
financial Considerations: Every Test Costs Money
Each time you sign up for the ACT, there’s a fee. Sending scores to more than a few colleges also costs money. These fees add up, especially if you take the test multiple times. For some families, this is a real barrier. It’s not a cheap test.
Fee waivers are available for eligible students. If you qualify, you can get the test fee waived for a few attempts. This also often covers some score reports. Check with your school counselor to see if you can get one. It helps a lot.
Strategies for Retaking the ACT Effectively
If you decide to retake the ACT, make a solid plan. Don’t just register and hope for the best. Figure out your weak spots from your last score report. Did you bomb the science section? Focus hard on that. Get specific about what you need to improve.
Use good study materials. The official ACT study guide is always a safe bet. There are also lots of online resources and practice tests. Do a full practice test under timed conditions. This gets you ready for the actual exam day pace.
Targeting Specific Sections for Improvement
Your ACT score report breaks down how you did in each section. Look closely at those individual scores. If one section is way lower than the others, that’s where your effort should go. For instance, maybe your math is a 20 but everything else is a 28. Focus on math.
It’s easier to bump up one section than to try and improve everything at once. You can find specific drills and practice problems just for that area. This makes your study time more efficient. Every bit of improvement counts.
Setting Realistic Score Goals
Be honest with yourself about what score you can actually achieve. A 3-point jump is realistic with good study. Going from a 20 to a 30 is much harder and takes serious work. Don’t set yourself up for disappointment. Aim for an attainable score.
Talk to your school counselor about your goals. They can give you a reality check. They also know what scores colleges usually want. Having a clear, realistic target keeps you motivated without burning you out.
When to Stop Taking the ACT
At some point, you need to decide when enough is enough. If you’ve taken the ACT three or four times and your score isn’t really moving, it might be time to stop. Your efforts might be better spent elsewhere. Maybe focus on your GPA or extracurriculars.
Colleges don’t care if you took the ACT five times versus two. They just care about your highest scores. Sending too many score reports can seem a bit much. It doesn’t actually help your chances. Focus on quality over quantity.
Frequently Asked Questions About ACT Testing
Some questions come up a lot about taking the ACT. Here are some of the common ones:
Does taking the ACT too many times look bad to colleges: how do colleges see multiple attempts?
Generally, no. Colleges usually only care about your highest scores; they don’t hold multiple attempts against you. They understand students want to improve. What colleges look at is your best performance, not how many tries it took.
Is there a fee waiver limit for taking the ACT: how many times can I use a waiver?
Yes, there is a limit. Eligible students can typically get up to four fee waivers for the ACT test. Check the specific guidelines each year, as they can change. Your high school counselor can help you get these waivers.
Can I choose which ACT scores to send to colleges: do I have control over what colleges see?
Yes, you can choose which test dates’ scores to send. You can send all of them, or just your best single test date, or even your superscored result if the college accepts it. You have control over this process.
What is the average score increase after retaking the ACT: how much improvement can I expect?
On average, students who retake the ACT see a score increase of about 1 to 2 points on their composite score. Significant jumps require dedicated and focused study, not just retesting. It really depends on your preparation.
Do all colleges accept ACT superscores: should I assume every school will superscore my results?
No, not all colleges accept ACT superscores. It’s very important to check each college’s specific admissions policy regarding superscoring. Many do, but some only consider scores from a single test date. Always verify this directly with the university.
Key Takeaways
No strict limit on ACT attempts; you can take it many times.
Most students take the ACT 2-3 times, not more.
Colleges often use superscoring, taking your best section scores.
Retake if you’ve studied more or made silly mistakes the first time.
Consider cost and time commitment before retaking.
Focus on improving weak sections based on your score report.
Set realistic score goals; major jumps are tough.
Know when to stop; after 3-4 tries, effort might be better elsewhere.
Always check college policies on superscoring and score submission.
