
Before making any drastic decisions, look closely at your score breakdown. Did you struggle with pacing? Was there a specific math concept that caught you off guard? Understanding exactly where you lost points will dictate whether a quick month of targeted tutoring can raise your score, or if the test format simply isn't a good fit for your learning style.
If your GPA is exceptional, your extracurriculars are deep, and your essays are compelling, a low test score does not have to sink your application. Hundreds of highly selective colleges remain test-optional. If your score falls below the 25th percentile for a specific college, the smartest move is often to withhold the score and let the rest of your academic record shine.