It’s the moment no high school student wants to face: after months of studying, practicing, and stressing, you get your ACT or SAT scores back, and they’re lower than you expected. Maybe you’ve been aiming for a top-tier college, and suddenly, your confidence takes a hit. It’s easy to feel discouraged, but the truth is, a low standardized test score does not spell the end of your college dreams.

In fact, there are plenty of ways to recover from a low ACT or SAT score, and many top-tier colleges now look beyond just numbers when evaluating applicants. From retaking the test to focusing on other areas of your application, there are strategies you can use to bounce back and still present a strong case to admissions officers.

In this blog, we’ll explore what to do if you receive a low ACT or SAT score, how to improve it, and what other parts of your application can shine in its place. So, don’t panic—here’s how to turn things around.

1. Take a Deep Breath and Evaluate the Situation

The first step is simple: don’t panic. Receiving a lower score than expected can feel crushing, especially when you have big college dreams. But remember, one score does not define your future.

Before you make any decisions, take some time to evaluate your situation. Ask yourself the following:

How low is your score compared to the average accepted scores at your target schools?
Was your score lower in one particular section, or did you struggle across the board?
How does your GPA and extracurricular involvement stack up?

By taking a step back, you can better understand whether your score is a major issue or just a minor setback. Depending on how your score compares to your overall academic profile and your target schools, you can decide what to do next.

Placeholder for image: A student reviewing their SAT/ACT score report with a concerned yet thoughtful expression, reflecting on next steps.

2. Consider Retaking the ACT or SAT

If your score is significantly below the average at your target schools, one of the most straightforward solutions is to retake the test. The good news is that colleges understand that students often perform better on a second or even third attempt. In fact, many students see substantial improvement after retaking the exam, especially if they dedicate more time to focused study.

According to the College Board, students who retake the SAT improve their score by an average of 90 points【source needed】. Similarly, data from the ACT suggests that students who retake the test often see a 1-2 point increase in their composite score【source needed】.

How to Improve Before Retaking the Test

If you decide to retake the test, here are some strategies to boost your score:

Identify Weak Areas: Look closely at your score breakdown to identify where you struggled. Was it the math section? Reading comprehension? Once you know your weak areas, you can focus your study efforts on those specific sections.
Use Targeted Prep Resources: There are many prep resources available to help improve your score, from books to online courses to tutoring. If budget is a concern, consider free resources like Khan Academy’s SAT prep, which offers personalized practice based on your performance.
Practice, Practice, Practice: The best way to prepare for standardized tests is consistent practice. Take full-length practice exams under timed conditions to get used to the pacing and pressure of test day.
Consider Hiring a Tutor: If you’ve taken the test multiple times but aren’t seeing the improvement you hoped for, a tutor may help. A good tutor can tailor your study plan to your specific needs and provide insights on how to approach difficult questions.

Stat: Students who complete at least 20 hours of targeted SAT prep on Khan Academy have been shown to improve their scores by an average of 115 points【source needed】.

3. Explore Test-Optional and Test-Flexible Schools

Another option, especially if retaking the test doesn’t sound appealing, is to consider applying to test-optional or test-flexible schools. In recent years, more colleges and universities have adopted test-optional policies, meaning they do not require applicants to submit ACT or SAT scores.

In fact, over 1,800 colleges in the U.S. now have test-optional or test-flexible admissions policies【source needed】. This includes many highly ranked schools like the University of Chicago, NYU, and Bowdoin College. By applying to test-optional schools, you can focus on highlighting other parts of your application—such as your GPA, extracurriculars, leadership experience, and personal statement—without worrying about your standardized test score.

However, be aware that test-optional schools still value strong academic records and compelling extracurricular involvement. If your GPA and coursework are strong, applying test-optional could be a great strategy for you.

College/University	Policy	Average SAT (Optional)
University of Chicago	Test-Optional	1500
New York University (NYU)	Test-Flexible	1450
University of California (all UCs)	Test-Blind	n/a
Duke University	Test-Optional	1510

Placeholder for image: A list of colleges with test-optional policies, showcasing the growing number of schools adopting this admissions approach.

4. Highlight Your Strengths in Other Areas of Your Application

Colleges today are taking a holistic approach to admissions, meaning that they look at the whole student—not just a single number. Even if your ACT or SAT score isn’t where you’d like it to be, you can still create a strong application by emphasizing other strengths. Here's how:

GPA and Course Rigor

If your GPA is high and you’ve taken challenging courses (such as AP, IB, or honors classes), this can offset a lower standardized test score. Admissions officers know that your transcript reflects four years of academic performance, while a test score is just a snapshot of one day.

Extracurriculars and Leadership

Showcase your leadership roles in extracurricular activities, whether it’s serving as captain of a sports team, leading a club, or organizing a community service project. These experiences demonstrate qualities like leadership, initiative, and commitment, which can make a significant impact on admissions officers.

Stat: According to a survey by the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), 82% of colleges said that extracurricular involvement plays an important role in admissions decisions【source needed】.

Passion Projects

One way to stand out is by creating a passion project that aligns with your interests. Whether it’s starting a blog, launching a community initiative, or creating an app, a passion project demonstrates creativity, problem-solving, and dedication. These qualities are often valued more than test scores, especially at holistic schools.

Personal Statement and Essays

Your personal statement and supplemental essays give you the opportunity to tell your story, reflect on challenges you’ve overcome, and highlight what makes you unique. A well-written essay can have a major impact on your application and give admissions officers insight into your character and potential.

Placeholder for image: A student working on their college application, focusing on essays and extracurriculars to balance a lower test score.

5. Consider "Superscoring"

Another strategy to mitigate a low score is to take advantage of schools that offer superscoring. Superscoring means that the college takes your highest section scores from multiple test dates and combines them to create the best possible composite score. For example, if you scored higher on the math section in one test but higher in reading on another, superscoring allows you to present your best performance in each section.

Many schools, including MIT, Harvard, and Stanford, allow superscoring, which can help you showcase your best overall abilities even if you didn’t excel on one particular test date.

6. Keep Perspective: It's Not the End of the World

At the end of the day, it’s important to remember that your standardized test score is just one part of your college application. Colleges are looking for well-rounded students who bring diverse experiences, perspectives, and strengths to their campuses. A low SAT or ACT score does not define your worth or your future.

Instead of focusing solely on your test score, take a step back and consider the bigger picture. What do you bring to the table? What unique qualities, experiences, and skills make you a great candidate for the schools you’re applying to? Use the application process as an opportunity to showcase your full potential—not just your ability to perform on a standardized test.

Stat: According to research from the University of California system, 30% of applicants with below-average test scores were still accepted based on their other qualifications【source needed】.

Conclusion: You Have Options—and You Can Still Succeed

Getting a low ACT or SAT score is disappointing, but it’s far from a dead end. With strategies like retaking the test, exploring test-optional schools, and emphasizing other strengths in your application, you can still build a compelling case for college admissions. Remember, colleges are looking for well-rounded, thoughtful, and motivated students, and you have many ways to show that you fit the bill—even if your test scores aren’t perfect.

Call to Action: Our incubator program provides personalized guidance to help students overcome low test scores and build standout college applications. Contact us today to learn how we can help you craft a strategy that plays to your strengths and maximizes your chances of success.

Take a deep breath, stay positive, and remember: your test score is just one piece of the puzzle. With the right approach, you can still achieve your college dreams.

What To Do If You Get A Low ACT / SAT Score

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