<p>I signed up for the November SAT after taking the October test but before receiving my scores. I was pretty sure I had earned around a 2300-2350 score, so when I signed up for the November test it was really just for the shot at a 2400. However, I've read some threads on here in which people (some with 2340s exactly) have been advised not to retake because of the questions that will arise from the adcoms/interviewers. I'm not sure that I understand why anyone else would be encouraged to retake and go for a higher score (this was my second test), but suddenly at around 2300+ retaking becomes unacceptable. Obviously there isn't a huge impact on the admissions process (though there are the charts out there that portray exponential chances of admission with overall SAT scores), but would retaking (even if I got a similar score like a 2360) really hurt my chances?</p>
<p>For what it's worth, my studying for the previous SAT consisted of 2 critical reading practice tests, 2 writing practice tests, and Direct Hits over the summer, as well as one critical reading practice test the night before. This, combined with the fact that I have not studied for the November test at all thus far, means that I am not suffering from any delusions about the importance of the SAT (and therefore could handle the potential questions of interviewers). Also, my breakdown was 800 CR, 770 Math, 770 Math. There's no guarantee I can get another 800 in CR, but I should be able to get an 800 in Math without any stupid mistakes. On the other hand, my first choice school, Yale, requires all score records and (to my knowledge at least) does not superscore. </p>
<p>Thanks for your help, and no, I did not make this thread to brag. I ask only for your genuine advice.</p>
<p>Spend your Saturday doing something else. Seriously. A 2340 will not exclude you from any school in the country. Your efforts are better spent on college app essays and first semester grads.</p>
<p>Yeah, there is absolutely no reason to retake a 2340, especially the way yours broke down, if you had say a 800 CR 800 W, and a 700 M, then yeah maybe retake it for a higher M score. (my situation kind of). However, with a 800 CR, 770 M, 770 W, you are perfectly fine, all your scores should put you in the 99th percentiles.</p>
<p>You are perfectly fine. A 770 is statistically the same as an 800. Colleges know that the difference between a 770 and an 800 is often only one or two problems. And also, what if you miss one math question again–you would’ve wasted another Saturday and $50.</p>
<p>Congratulations on your score, but if you already predicted that you would break 2300 and signed up again and blew money just to shoot for a perfect score, then something is wrong. No offense intended, but that is just silly. As others have mentioned, do something better on your Saturdays.</p>
<p>The marginal benefit of scoring a 2350-2400 after having already scored a 2340 is negligible at best. If it’s for personal satisfaction or bragging rights (both of which are frequent among high-scoring students), then by all means go ahead. But a higher SAT score isn’t going to do help you all that much. Colleges care as much about the difference between a 2340 and a 2370 as they would the difference between a 1940 and 1970. Which is to say, not very much at all.</p>
<p>I know Yale requires you to submit all test scores. Retaking a score like yours could even be counterintuitive in this situation: it tells the adcoms you are obsessed with your SAT score, and contrary to popular belief, Yale is not looking for students like that.</p>
<p>^^^Yup. Retaking a 2340 does not create a good impression. Besides, the odds of your scores going down on a retake are pretty significant at this level.</p>
<p>You may be able to get a refund. If not, consider it a fairly cheap lesson in developing perspective.</p>
<p>You always have to pay to switch tests. And Georgetown is the only school that requires three subject tests, so unless you intend to apply there, there’s no need for you to take another test.</p>
<p>Ok, I was in a similar situation a year ago. I got a 2340 too (800 CR, 780 W, 760 M) and didnt retake because I didn’t think I could do any better. However, if I thought I could done better, I would have retaken. Someone really smart on CC (I wanna say it was mifune or silverturtle…but I dont remember) posted some study done by that showed that acceptance to top schools skyrockets as you climb from a 2300 to 2400 at most top schools. However, as everyone here as already said, a 2340 won’t close any doors.</p>
<p>If you are going to retake, it should only be for personal satisfaction. The difference between a 2340 and a 2400 in terms of college admissions, though definitely existent, is negligible in the grand scheme of things.</p>
<p>^ Rtgrove, haven’t seen you around here in a while. How’s Wharton and the Dual Degree program treating you?</p>
<p>I advice you to not retake. It creates a bad impression that test scores mean that much too you, other bad inferences from different points of view, etc. Don’t take SAT II’s either. Your done with test taking period. Celebrate. And just don’t show up to test day. Also, you should pay your parents back that $50.</p>
<p>I will mildly dissent. I do think that there is a "difference between a 2340 and a 2400. Just as there is a difference between being #1 in a class and #2. </p>
<p>From a marketing perspective, wouldn’t a college want a valedictorian just a bit more? Same for someone who scores a perfect score.</p>
<p>^But what are the chances of him getting that perfect score? Most people who get perfect scores will tell you there is luck involved. I do agree that a 2400 would raise your chances a good amount, but then again, odds are slim that you will obtain the rare 2400. And theres always the possibility that you could go lower?</p>
<p>I think I read that a 770 is statistically the same as a 800, because of variation in difficulty, how a person feels that day and other random factors. So, no real reason to retake.</p>
<p>Since my first SAT, I’ve only improved a total of 20 points, hehe. And my super’s gone up like 40. Oh well.</p>