How Many Times Should You Take the ACT?
ACT does not cap retakes: its own score FAQ says you can take the ACT as many times as you want. Retaking is common. ACT reports that 43% of test takers take it more than once, and that more than half of those who retake improve their scores. The plan we recommend is 2-3 sittings: an early baseline, a focused retake after real prep, and an optional third if you are close to a target.
No limit, so plan the number yourself
ACT sets no limit on how many times you can test. The one restriction is per date: ACT reports scores from only one sitting per test date, and if you test twice in the same national administration, only the first set of scores counts. That makes the useful question how many sittings your preparation can support, not how many you are allowed. A new sitting only helps if something changed since the last one, so plan for two or three, each with a job:
| Attempt | Purpose |
|---|---|
| 1st | Baseline. See where you really stand under real timing and conditions. |
| 2nd | The big jump. Take it after targeted prep on your weakest section. |
| 3rd (optional) | Polish. Worth it if you are within a few points of a target or a scholarship cutoff. |
Earlier versions of this page cited a 12-attempt limit. ACT's current score FAQ, its registration rules, and its 2026–2027 examinee terms do not state one (checked against ACT.org on September 24, 2026).
When a retake is worth it
- You prepared between attempts. Retaking without changing anything rarely moves the score. Drill technique and time full sections first — see the 6-week study plan.
- One section dragged you down. Because many colleges superscore, lifting a single weak section can raise your superscore without beating your whole Composite at once.
- You are near a cutoff. A point or two can change admission or scholarship eligibility. Check what a good score looks like for your college list.
When to stop
Stop when more testing is not buying real points. If your last two scores are flat and you have not changed how you study, another sitting is unlikely to help. Change the method before you book the date: how to raise your ACT score is the six-step version. Diminishing returns, test fees, and burnout are real. A focused retake beats a tired fifth attempt every time.
Do retakes look bad to colleges?
No. Taking the ACT a few times is normal and expected, and many colleges consider only your highest scores or your superscore. You also control which scores you send. The takeaway: retake with a plan, not out of panic.
FAQ
How many times can you take the ACT?
As many times as you want. ACT's score FAQ states no retake limit, and ACT reports that 43% of test takers take the ACT more than once. The one restriction: ACT reports scores from only one sitting per test date.
How many times should you take the ACT?
Plan for two or three sittings: a baseline, a focused retake after real preparation, and an optional third if you are near a target score. A retake only helps if you changed how you prepare since the last one.
Do ACT retakes look bad to colleges?
No. Retaking the ACT is normal, and many colleges consider only your highest scores or your superscore. You also choose which scores to send.
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