<p>So I got a 2200 on the October SAT I (my first SAT), and I'm wondering whether I should retake it.</p>
<p>Here are my scores:
Critical Reading - 700
Math - 770
Writing - 730</p>
<p>I managed to obtain this score with quite minimal studying. I took a review course during August, but did little to no studying from September -> the test date.</p>
<p>With basketball season starting up, AP classes, and three SAT subject tests to prepare for, would it be worth it to study hard for the next one and attempt to score a 2300+?</p>
<p>Consider the fact that I shall most likely be applying to at least two of the HYPSM schools; is a 2200 adequate?</p>
<p>If you’re smart enough to get a 2200 cold, you’re smart enough to look up whether or not 2200 is in the range of HYPSM.</p>
<p>That being said, this is the time when putting in work counts. Go ahead and study up and take it one more time. Who knows, maybe you’re capable of a 2400.</p>
<p>2200s and above are in the 99 percentile. I’m pretty sure that’s all the good colleges are going to care about unless you had 800CR, 600M, 800W or something like that.</p>
<p>Take it again. Statistically, you have an excellent chance to improve your score the second time. Be sure to do some studying(especially in CR), and go for it.</p>
<p>Try the ACT next time. It seems easier for many students. If you do better than don’t bother to send your SAT grades, or send them anyway, as you did fantastic on them!!</p>
<p>Did you get an excellent score? Yes. However, a general rule of thumb to be competitive for HYPSM-type schools is to aim for the 75% of scores on each section for entering freshmen at these schools. That’s usually around 760-780. Now, if you retake with studying and still have a lower-700’s score on one section, don’t sweat it. But the simple answer to your question is this: Yes, you should retake. You’re clearly smart, and you’re capable of harnessing that score into something more HYPSM-worthy with a little bit of practice.</p>
<p>Without a specific hook, I would say re-take. Now, it this was your 3rd time, I would say let it be, but you definitely have the potential for a 2300+, a feat that even HYPSM can respect. Look around this site, especially the SAT/ACT forums for tricks to get you up to where you want to be. </p>
<p>Any other schools besides HYPS and you’d be perfectly fine with that score but your CR/W scores are towards the bottom 25% at those schools and you need every advantage you can get.</p>
<p>I took the SAT cold and got a 2180, took it again cold and got a 2280 (which together, superscored, made a 2300)…so you can definitely get it up. Studying helps too! Good luck (:</p>
<p>retake for sure, but remember that at HYPS, etc, it is usually much more about hook than score. Yes, top schools definitely require some decent scores/grades, even from hooked applicants. AT HYPS, etc, there is no such thing as a lock on getting in, even with perfect scores, ecs, etc. But I think its better to be a 2000 SAT with a 3.4 and very strong legacy or top athletics, etc, instead of a 2400 / 4.0, especially at ivys, mit, etc. (Caltech, however, does not seem to care that much about hook factors). The boards here at cc are full of perfect score ed applicants who did not get into top schools, whereas those with some kind of hook and much lower scores got in. It’s been like that for ever and it’s not going to change. Top schools just love their generous alumni and superstar athletes. Makes sense.
Anyway, the goal is to do your best, and wherever you go, just work hard and have a good time. Very good luck to you.</p>
<p>I would assume the athletics would balance you out. I know I’ve taken the SAT twice and my writing scores just wouldn’t go up. Topped off at 2130, and I was done. Just how it turned out. I’m still applying to some big schools anyways though</p>
<p>^Unless the OP is a recruited athlete, athletic involvement is not going to balance out his SATs. Sports are no more impressive an EC than any other activity.</p>
<p>Absolutely, those scores would not make you competitive at HYP without a hook. The CR is well below average for all ivies and top LACs and the writing is just average if slightly below at those schools.</p>
<p>hmom - is correct. but admissions at top schools can be varied. even unhooked low scores get in every now and then if there is something special. you just never know - uncompetitive applicants get in sometimes without a hook. an ea applicant from the high school in the next town just got into Caltech with a 2040 and no hook or legacy (at lest according to her). yeah, she was #1 out of about 600 and won some big state science competition - but still she got into Caletech!! the score is only one part of the application. Some schools focus on other things.
anyway, like stated above: retake for sure, but remember that at HYPS, etc, it is usually much more about hook than score. Yes, top schools definitely require some decent scores/grades, even from hooked applicants. AT HYPS, etc, there is no such thing as a lock on getting in, even with perfect scores, ecs, etc. But I think its better to be a 2000 SAT with a 3.4 and very strong legacy or top athletics, etc, instead of a 2400 / 4.0, especially at ivys, mit, etc. (Caltech, however, does not seem to care that much about hook factors). The boards here at cc are full of perfect score ed applicants who did not get into top schools, whereas those with some kind of hook and much lower scores got in. It’s been like that for ever and it’s not going to change. Top schools just love their generous alumni and superstar athletes. Makes sense.
Anyway, the goal is to do your best, and wherever you go, just work hard and have a good time. Very good luck to you.</p>
<p>@ NEPatriot: one anecdote isn’t enough data to say anything comprehensive about a college’s admissions process</p>
<p>@ OP: focus on your subject tests first, get them out of the way as a junior (you’re a junior, right?). Also, study hard for AP’s. Then, spend some time over the summer studying for the SAT and retake in October or November. You’ll have another full academic year under your belt, which will help on the test. You don’t want to divide yourself too thin and subject tests/AP tests can still be big admissions factors, so treat them accordingly.</p>
<p>Even if you weren’t aiming for HYPS, a higher SAT score can only help you in admissions at other schools. The fact that you achieved 2200 w/o studying indicates you can do significantly better.</p>
<p>@jamesford: wasn’t trying to say anything “comprehensive” about a school’s admission process. all I was saying is that there is a chance, even without a perfect score or without a hook<br>
and for those with a strong hook, there is always a good chance, even with just average test scores.
Caltech, for example, seems to look strongly at other factors… just my opinion.
good luck</p>
<p>Yes, 2200 is a wonderful score. I can say that without any fear of providing misleading information. However, because you took it nearly cold, I am confident that you can achieve an even more fantastic score. For the present, focus on the things ahead of you, but if you find, in your schedule the opportunity to study and practice, I would recommend trying it again.</p>