What to do when a test goes badly
Updated
A test that goes badly is one result on one day. It doesn't decide your SAT score, and it says nothing about what you're worth. Feeling let down is normal, and it passes.
Why one score can be off
- Scores move between tests. Sleep, nerves and the questions you happen to get all change your score from one test to the next.
- You can take the SAT again. There's no limit on retakes, many students take it 2 or 3 times, and many colleges look at your best scores.
- Your score estimate keeps updating. It comes from all your work, not one test. See How does the score estimate work?
What to do next
- Rest first. Take the rest of the day off. Studying while upset rarely helps.
- Review, don't redo. When you're ready, a Review Lab brings back the questions you missed, so you can learn from them. See What is a Review Lab?
- Talk to someone. A parent, a friend or your school counselor can help you put one score in perspective.
Comparing yourself with others
Other students took a different test, at a different point in their prep. The only comparison that helps is with your own last test.
If a bad result is making you feel hopeless, or it's about much more than a test, see Where to get help if you're struggling.
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