Join us for a Proctored SAT Practice Test on 12/13 at 1 pm ET. Register here!
Join us for a Proctored SAT Practice Test on 12/13 at 1 pm ET. Register here!
Updated November 3, 2025
Got a lower SAT score than expected? Don’t panic. Whether you had a bad test day, couldn’t focus, or struggled with some sections, a low SAT score doesn’t have to derail your college admissions plans. In this guide, we’ll show you how to overcome a low SAT score by using test-optional strategies, retesting smartly, and strengthening other areas of your application.
Top colleges use a holistic admissions process, which means they consider more than just your SAT score. Even without strong test results, you can stand out through your academic performance, essays, extracurriculars, and recommendations.
If you choose not to submit your SAT score, the other parts of your application need to shine:
If you have time before deadlines, retaking the SAT with focused prep can make a big difference. Many students improve between their first and second attempts—even a 50-100 point boost can change how colleges view your application.
Tips for boosting your SAT score:
Advice for high school juniors:
If you’re a high school junior applying Early Decision, the October test date is usually the last available option.
An alternative is to take the ACT. The ACT is accepted by every college that accepts the SAT and may be a better fit for some students. It includes a science section (optional) and often has a faster pace. Some students score significantly higher on the ACT, so it’s worth taking a practice test to compare.
What’s the major difference between the SAT and the ACT?
The SAT is probably better for you if you lose focus easily or you’re a slower standardized test-taker. The ACT is definitely more of a time crunch, but its questions tend to be more straightforward.
If your SAT score is below average for certain schools, build a balanced list that includes:
You might be surprised how many top colleges don’t require SAT scores. In fact, over 1,800 colleges in the U.S. are test-optional. Check the data on the schools you are applying to and see if your scores fall in the range for incoming students. If you are still worried, there are over eight hundred schools in the United States that do not require standardized testing scores for their applications.
Use tools like Common Data Set reports and college admissions websites to compare your scores to admitted student ranges.
If there were extenuating circumstances (illness, family challenges, etc.) that affected your performance, you can address them in the Additional Information section of the application. Be honest, brief, and focus on how you’ve grown or responded to the challenge.
A low SAT score doesn’t define you or determine your future. What matters is how you respond: through strategic testing, strong academics, and thoughtful application materials. Colleges care about the full story, not just one number.
At AcceptU, our former admissions officers help students craft strategic application plans, improve test performance, and gain confidence. Schedule a free consultation to build a plan that works for you.
The choice between tests depends on your strengths and timeline. Some students perform better on one test compared to the other. If you are early in the preparation process, it is recommended that you take both the mock SAT and ACT tests to see which one suits you best. However, we generally advise students to stick with the same test once they make a decision.
Stephen received a BA from Cornell University, an MA from Columbia University Teachers College and a Ph.D. from Rice University. Prior to founding AcceptU, Stephen was an Assistant Dean of admissions at Cornell and an Associate Dean of graduate admissions at Princeton University. Stephen is an IECA Member.
