800 on writing and reading, 640 on math…should my daughter take SAT again?

Test Preparation
1

<p>She wants to major in musical theatre -- obviously not a math-focused pursuit. We are concerned that she won't replicate the two 800s if she takes it again, but she does think she can improve her math, as she put no preparation into the first SAT. Is it beneficial to give it one more try?</p>

2

<p>Almost every school “superscores” the SAT – they take the best score in each section from multiple sittings. She definitely should study for the math and take it again – but first she should take a prep class, get a SAT tutor, or self study (Gruber books are great for math). Getting a higher superscore would help her admissions, and also give her a better shot at merit aid at schools that offer it.</p>

3

<p>Most schools that gives merit only consider the CR and M scores. To be competitive, it should be at least 1500.</p>

4

<p>^^ Many schools give merit for 1400 and up. Look at the Grinnell posts. I saw many merit awards for 1400 and up. A good bit of state schools give full rides for 1400 and up as well.</p>

<p><a href=“**OFFICIAL GRINNELL COLLEGE ADMISSIONS DECISIONS 2018- RESULTS ONLY** - #16 by mybestshot - Grinnell College - College Confidential Forums”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/grinnell-college/1624725-official-grinnell-college-admissions-decisions-2018-results-only-p2.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

5

<p>2018dad, that isn’t necessarily true. For the most part schools do not disclose their formula for giving merit (or admission for that matter). Now… it is true that some schools do not weight the writing component as heavily as the other two. But most don’t all pitch it altogether. I do agree that 800 CR/800M/640Wr would be a more impressive score to most colleges, though. Partly because it shows ability across the board, not just weighted in one area.</p>

<p>And you can’t say what is “competitive” – it varies by school. What is competitive at Harvey Mudd vs. Oberlin vs. Earlham is going to be different – all offer merit aid, but the scores (and other criteria) that will earn you merit are going to vary by quite a bit among the three.</p>

6

<p>Thanks everyone! I think she will take it again in June, even though she wishes she could just take the math portion!</p>