<p>Hey guys,
Stanford is my #1 choice so I really want to get in. I got 2240 on my SATs last spring (800 Math, 760 Writing, 680 Reading) so I want to know if I should retake them (primarily to boost my reading score above 700). Your thoughts? Lots of people say that Stanford focuses more on the essays and not so much on the SATs and that I shouldn't waste the time (as valuable as it will be, senior year), but I want to be sure.
Thanks!</p>
<p>(Just a little info about me: I have a 4.0, 800 on Math II and 790 on Physics, lots of leadership and volunteering, double legacy to Stanford, 2 internships behind me, and will of course put lots of effort into my essays.)</p>
<p>While you’re already looking very strong as it stands, your reading score is around the 25th percentile for admits which could be a problem. I’d retake if you are sure you can get close to the median score for admits, a 730.</p>
<p>double legacies (like asians) are probably expected to do better on standardized tests. So yeah, I’d retake, but only if I were sure I could get a better score. </p>
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<p>If you go to a difficult HS and have a high class rank (validating that 4.0, as it were), you’re probably in. Stranger things have happened, though.</p>
<p>Absolutely. When applying to top schools like Stanford, a safe SAT score should always be somewhere in the 700’s, unless you have some other amazing EC to get you in.</p>
<p>Don’t listen to these people. They don’t know what they’re talking about. You don’t need to retake. You’re perfectly fine and your combined score is impressive. I got in with a 2200 (770 math, 730 writing 700 reading) and a 700 is only 20 points higher than a 680, not a huge deal.</p>
<p>Honestly, I think you’ve got about as good of a chance as anything. Don’t stress about the 680. If you can, retake. If not, don’t sweat it. Remember, you’ve got a double legacy…which is a lot more than most people can say. And you know these top schools love legacies. But it’d be better if you spent that time composing an incredible essay - that would probably get you in more than a 730 in reading would. Besides, reading isn’t the easiest to improve…studying vocabulary, etc. takes a lot more time as well.</p>
<p>I wouldn’t. I got in with a 2170 (800M, 730R, 640W). I recommend working on the essays and other parts of your application.</p>
<p>However, you may want to consider the ACT. I found it much easier than the SAT, and I think it improves your application your score higher than an equivalent to your SAT score (In your case, that would be a 34+).</p>
<p>don’t retake it unless you usually score much higher on your Writing in practice tests. I got a 2160 (800M 700V 660W) and I got in fine. At the end of the day the admission officers care much more about other things in your application especially Stanford officers. Focus on your essays and really try to show the real you would be my opinion. </p>
<p>Retake it if you think you can do better. Take some more practice test and if your scores are about the same or lower, it probably won’t be worth it. But if you continually work on it, you’ll see improvement and then you’ll probably do even better.</p>
<p>i mean, you could but i wouldnt recommend it. your score is more than high enough to be accepted to Stanford. if you take a look at last years decisions results, youll find that a 2300+ SAT score really doesnt mean much of anything towards admission. As long as youre in range, i would just forget about the SAT’s and focus on your essays and other aspects of your application.</p>
<p>hey, i have a similar question. i also have a 2240. 770cr/690m/780w. my math was horrible, (my excuse was stupid mistakes) but i got a 790 on the math2 subject test. should that be enough to offset the 690, or should i retake it for superscore?</p>