<p>I am a new member here and need some advice. My son, a junior this year, is not happy with his second SAT scores - writing being the section that consistently drags down his scores. The first SAT score was 1870 (we knew it was an off-day) with writing being 640. He took them again this month and upped the score by huge margins to a 2120, with reading 800, Math 680, but writing stayed the same at 640.</p>
<p>He has taken the ACTs once, was sick as a dog with a 101 fever that day, but still scored a composite of 31. English was 28 with Usage/Mechanics 16, Rhetorical Skills 14 - Combined English/Writing 26 with the essay being an 8. He wants to take this again in Oct. of senior year, as well as the SAT.</p>
<p>I give him credit on wanting to go take these again. To support him, we have secured an english tutor for him, 3 sessions, to target the skills and essay writing in the hopes that the scores will reflect his effort. </p>
<p>My question: Since these scores are not bad, is it worth it for him to take the SAT a third time and the ACT a second time - in the hopes of upping that english score? And how do college admissions folks assess a high reading and math score, but low english/writing score?</p>
<p>Well this is a really “helpful” post for a new member to read - not. Firstly, I’m not bragging - just posting the scores to get advice. “Bad scores” - wrong, they are good scores - Excuses? there are none to be made. It is my son’s drive to up that english section. As his parents, we thought he’d be happy to let them stand - we were pleased, he is not. Your post is so derogatory, I hope the majority of posters here are much nicer and can offer some real advice.</p>
<p>It depends on what your son wants to major in and also what schools he is looking at.
If he wants to be an engineer, then that math score is low, but if wants to be an art major for example, then it is less important. Also, some schools like Cornell, don’t look at writing score so it depends also on the school and their selectivity. </p>
<p>That said, my son is also a junior and in a similar situation. First score and second scores similar to your son’s (SAT). He is planning on taking it one last time in October however he does not want to get a tutor so we’ll see.</p>
<p>I’d say try again, it won’t hurt. First available ACT is in Sept, and SAT is in Oct. I won’t go more than 3x for any of these tests though…</p>
<p>Your son posted a very nice score increase on the SAT. That’s great.</p>
<p>With students in your son’s position, I’d recommend focusing on the one test, either the SAT or the ACT, that’s a better match for his natural abilities. He has limited resources (time, energy, etc.), so why split them chasing higher scores on both tests? There are enough differences between the two tests that each would benefit from specific, focused study.</p>
<p>Some college admissions committees only look at the combined SAT Critical Reading and Math scores, so low Writing scores may not count against applicants to such schools. Presumably, certain committees disregard the Writing section because it’s so amenable to preparation. I regularly have students who start off scoring in the 500s in Writing…and end up with a score in the 700s. With the proper guidance, smart, motivated students do very well on the multiple-choice grammar questions and SAT essay. At least, that’s been my experience. In the past, I’ve worked with bright foreign students (for whom English is a second language) who improve their SAT Writing scores from the 400s to the 700s. It’s rather remarkable.</p>
<p>I think it’s worth it for your son to take the SAT again if three conditions are met:
(1) He needs a higher score to be more competitive at the colleges to which he’ll be applying,
(2) He is unhappy with his current score, and
(3) He is willing to put in the work to prepare for the test.</p>
<p>FYI, I’ve had students who have taken the SAT 3 or more times prior to working with me. When all is said and done, they end up taking the test 1-2 more times with positive results.</p>
<p>Thank you for your encouraging post. Yes, he is committed to trying a last time. He has no clue on a major and will most likely go liberal arts for the first year. Hopefully, something will inspire a firm direction later on.</p>
<p>Good luck to your son as well, I’ll be thinking of you this fall at test time!</p>
<p>to Bartleby007 - thank you for the food for thought and your encouragement that with a little focus and effort, that english/writing score can be brought up to his liking!</p>