Should You Retake the ACT? A Practical 2026–27 Decision Guide

Retake the ACT when another attempt has a specific purpose.

ACT says there is no limit on the number of times you may take the test, and notes that many students take it two or three times while working toward their goal.

That does not mean more attempts are automatically better. For the full picture on ACT prep and scoring, see our ACT guides.

Strong reasons to retake

1. One section is clearly weaker

Example:

• English 31
• Math 25
• Reading 32

If your practice Math is usually 28–30, another attempt may create a stronger Composite or Superscore.

2. Your practice tests are consistently higher

Practice:

28
29
29

Official ACT:

25

That suggests your official result may not reflect your usual level.

3. Your target colleges' ranges are above your current score

If several target colleges report submitted ACT ranges above your current Composite, a stronger score may help.

4. A scholarship threshold matters

Some scholarships use specific score thresholds.

Always check the current official scholarship requirements.

5. Superscoring gives you a clear opportunity

The current ACT Superscore uses your best:

• English;
• Math;
• Reading.

If one section can realistically improve, a retake may strengthen your Superscore even if another section falls slightly. Since Science does not factor into the Composite or Superscore, deciding whether to sit for it is a separate question — see our guide on whether you should take ACT Science.

Weak reasons to retake

“I just want a higher number”

That is not enough by itself.

Ask:

Higher for what?

College range? Scholarship? Personal target?

Nothing in your study plan will change

If you scored 27 and continue exactly the same preparation, another ACT may simply produce another 27.

Your score is already strong for your list

A 34 may already be more than enough for many colleges.

Another attempt can still be reasonable, but the expected value is smaller.

How many times should you take the ACT?

ACT places no official limit.

But strategic testing is better than constant testing.

For many students:

1. first serious attempt;
2. targeted retake;
3. final attempt only if there is a strong reason

is enough. If your Composite currently sits in the 20–25 range, our 20 to 25 ACT score guide breaks down where a retake pays off most.

Can you retake only one section?

ACT's current official guidance says students cannot retake individual ACT sections separately.

You take the ACT again, then your best eligible section scores can contribute to a Superscore. For a full walkthrough of the current test format, see our enhanced ACT guide.

What should change before a retake?

Pick the exact reason your previous score was limited.

Knowledge problem

You did not know the concept.

Fix: learn and practice it.

Timing problem

You knew the work but ran out of time.

Fix: timed sections and faster decision-making.

Careless-error problem

You repeatedly misread, copy incorrectly or choose the wrong quantity.

Fix: build a checking routine.

Test-day problem

Poor sleep, anxiety, illness or unfamiliar format affected you.

Fix: test-day preparation and realistic simulation.

Example

Current: 27 Composite

Target: 30

Section scores:

• English 30
• Math 24
• Reading 28

The obvious priority is not another general course.

It is to raise Math while strengthening Reading and maintaining English.

Application timing

Before registering for a retake, check:

• test date;
• score-release timing;
• early/regular application deadlines;
• scholarship deadlines.

A test that reports after your deadline may not help.

Bottom line

Retake when:

your goal needs it, your practice supports it and your next preparation cycle will be different.

Do not retake simply because ACT allows unlimited attempts.

Official sources

• ACT Retake Guide: https://www.act.org/content/act/en/students-and-parents/high-school-success/testing-advice-for-the-act/reasons-to-retest.html
• ACT When to Take the ACT: https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/when-to-take-the-act.html

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