Seniors should use the October test date if another opportunity to improve the SAT score is needed. October and November are the last dates you can take an SAT and have the scores reported before the January 1 application deadline. Of course, if you're applying to a school that has rolling admissions or a much-later application date, you can go out farther. If you're thinking about investing in a coaching course, I think the best SAT (or ACT) to get coaching for is the Junior-year May one. Give that one your best shot so you don't have SAT pressure first thing in your senior year. Another reason to take the SAT/ACT again is directly related to whether or not you'll qualify for more academic scholarships. For example, if you took the test twice but were 10 points shy of a scholarship worth $2,000 more per year, taking it a third time might have its rewards! By the same token, if you have already been accepted and think you can earn more scholarships if you keep taking the tests, then call the admission office first. You should know the specific score ranges that earn different scholarship amounts. If the college won't tell you what various scholarship levels require, then press them harder. While you want to be as competitive as possible, you also want to avoid taking a test when it won't do you any good. Finally, be aware that many colleges won't look at increasing your scholarship no matter how