<p>i am aiming for VERY VERY competitive schools (think HYPS). </p>
<p>the theory stands that once you achieve a certain bar line, it's a waste of time to retake it. what is this barline? at what point do you say "my score is good enough; i don't need to retake anymore."</p>
<p>is it 2250? 2300? 2350? 2370+?</p>
<p>PS: i have a good score but i still have room for improvement. i have the potential to get an even better score (possibly even perfect). but if it doesn't matter then i don't know if i want to try.</p>
<p>Prior to the score choice option being implemented in March, the consensus was not to take the SAT more than three times. While some people believe that the new option gives people the incentive to take the SAT as many times as they want given money doesn't matter, some colleges will want all of your scores. In other words, taking the SAT four times could still hurt your chances at a school that requires all scores sent. Being realistic, if you prepare a lot for your first score, taking it more than three times total is probably unnecessary anyway. </p>
<p>On to the scores. Obviously the higher score, the better your chances will be at HYPSM. I think 2200 is sufficient for all schools, but their statistics show that the higher your score, the better your chances. I personally would stop if I got over 700 on each. It's up to what you think demonstrates your ability. Don't be a stickler though.</p>
<p>there is no point at which all SAT scores become equal. the people who claim it's 2200 probably scored a 2200, and those who say it's 2350 surely got exactly that. but we can't all get a 2400. it requires 4 hours of machinelike speed and precision. </p>
<p>we all need to to stop ourselves at some point. i got a 2370 the first time. maybe i could get a 2400 later on, but i think a 2370 is a reasonable representation of my abilities and that colleges will view me as a nerd if I retake. at the same time, i'm not saying that 2370 and 2400 are equal, because they aren't.</p>
<p>Be careful about score choice. Some very selective schools are asking students to show all test scores.</p>
<p>I would say that if you're able to break 2250, you should focus on other parts of your application. Schools are trying to maintain their averages--and I don't know of a school that has an average over 2250.</p>
<p>And don't forget to take the ACT since some of the IVIES will take it in lieu of the SAT and SAT Subject Tests.</p>
<p>i would say 3.
if you been making 750 on all sections on all your tests i would quit
because trying to find that one small problem would take alot of time that could be spent on other things</p>
<p>Say you get a 2380 your first try, but are determined to get the 2400 for personal reasons. Will colleges frown on you repeatedly retaking the test? It's obvious that you're not stupid, but do they think you're an idiot?</p>
<p>^ my advice would be to take the SAT again but to cancel your score if you don't think you got the 2400. you can also help make this decision by reading this board right after the test(there will be answers to most of the questions here). by this method, you would have only taken it twice, because colleges can't see cancels.</p>