<p>I took the SAT for the first time ever this year (My Junior Year) in October 4th. </p>
<p>My scores: </p>
<p>800 CR
780 M
...</p>
<p>Not bad huh? </p>
<p>But then: </p>
<p>650 W :( :( :( </p>
<p>Now, the problem is... I REALLY hate retaking the SAT, and I seriously don't want to... Do you guys think I should bother taking the SAT over again so I can get up my writing? However, I don't think I'll score quite as well in the other two subjects if I do... So... </p>
<p>I heard the writing score isn't really a big deal, and a 650 should at least qualify me, if nothing... Since my CR and M scores are fairly high, this shouldn't be a huge problem, right?</p>
<p>That depends...what are you going to major in? If it's a major that has a lot of writing, then you oughta retake. Otherwise, it prob won't matter. Write killer application essays and it'll help make up for it. Do you get As or Bs in English? If so, then you prob don't need to worry.</p>
<p>Since you're a junior I'd say definitely take them again in either June or the beginning of senior year since you can and usually scores go up after another year of practice, but don't stress about it since you're more than fine with those scores. I was in the same boat but i tried taking them again (though only 2 months later since I waited till the end of Junior year to take them the first time) and writing went down from 660-650 so now I don't really care anymore LOL but I also didn't prepare at all and I've heard the writing section is just an exercise in how much you've practiced the format so especially with a year to prepare I don't see why not to try to get it higher if you want to.</p>
<p>Well, I plan to consider a major in pre-medicine, so I don't think that's a writing oriented field. Can I solicit any more opinions? </p>
<p>As far as I know, the writing section really doesn't count for much as it is; I'd rather keep a 1580 CR+M personally. If I retake, I don't know if I'll be able to keep that score, as 800 CR is pretty tough to get and 780 Math is somewhat decent as it is.</p>
<p>the pre-med majors (bio, chem, etc.) may not be writing-intensive, but the MCAT will have a writing section. i think you're fine though, and your score is great for all schools except places like hypsm. so i guess retaking would depend on where you're applying. </p>
<p>as a heads up, if you retake, don't get arrogant and slack off from studying/prepping/concentrating on the actual test day, etc. i went down from 800/790/750 (8E) to 770/720/780 (11E), although i just made it up in october with 800 lit/790 math SAT II scores.</p>
<p>I got an 800 CR, 770 M, and 680 W - very similar to your scores. Because I got a 7 essay and because 680 falls outside of Harvard's 50% range, I'm going to be retaking :) And also because Harvard superscores :)</p>
<p>Oh I have no intention of going to any of the HYPSM schools; even if I got an admit (Not likely, since I'm not valedictorian, I haven't done any groundbreaking research, and I haven't gone to Ethiopia for 3 years to help starving children). </p>
<p>I personally toured universities in North Carolina (Duke, UNC, Wake Forrest, Furman, and Davidson)- I was wondering how much that writing score would mess up my chances of getting into somewhere like... Duke, at best. </p>
<p>I do have almost a 4.0 GPA (Got just one B in Spanish Freshman year, because I had no motivation back then- Never going to happen again) in the IB Program, so I do have good GPA and rigorous classes. </p>
<p>Extracurricular aren't strong, but moderate. Eagle Scout (my biggest), Weightlifting Team 3 Years (Varsity for One or Two), around 500+ hours of community service with Habitat for Humanity, a couple of assorted clubs and such that I'm having difficulty getting elected positions in, Mu Alpha Theta Math Honors Society (and a couple of awards from the math competitions there)... couple others I can't remember ATM. </p>
<p>My biggest concern is that my writing score would be the factor that keeps me OUT of a school like Duke or a school of similar caliber- Most of my friends told me that with a 800 CR and 780 M, it shouldn't be a problem, but clearly my friends aren't as experienced as the people on this forum.</p>
<p>It's more than adequate. Wait to see how you did in the PSAT (most likely you'll make NMSF) and then do the ACT (no pressure and you don't have to send the scores if you don't want to). You'll probably get a 36 and be a candidate for Presidential Scholar. You are getting this over early in your Jr year so all you have to worry for your college applications is writing good essays (you have plenty of time to do that). Eagle Scout is big. Congratulations. By the way, Duke and Wake Forest are first tier.</p>
<p>Alright thanks guys. I didn't really think I should retake anyway. The main factor influencing that decision is that the writing section really doesn't count for much anyway. So good luck to all you guys on getting to that dream school, and thanks! </p>
<p>I think you're making the right choice. Your writing abilities will be evidenced by your essays, which are more important than your scores once you're in that super-high-SAT range (which you are.)</p>
<p>isn't there a policy for juniors that allow them to send ONLY the scores they want colleges to see? and colleges will see nothing else but those scores???</p>
<p>Mathson got 800V, 760M, 690W the first time and 800V, 770M and 690W the second time. (7 on the essay the first time and 9 the second.) He got rejected from some good schools (MIT, Caltech) and accepted by others (Harvard, Carnegie Mellon). I doubt his scores were the deciding factor. I really doubt your writing score will hurt you.</p>