<p>Higher test scores strengthen your application. Period. With higher test scores, you will get into more schools and the probablility of getting into a given school increases.</p>
<p>A 2400 doesn’t look that much better than a 2350, A 2300 doesn’t look much better than a 2250. But it does look better. And that can make a difference. I doubt I would have gotten into Stanford with a 2230. But I did with a 2380.</p>
<p>Of course, the trade off is spending more time on extracurriculars/other as opposed to studying for/taking SATs.</p>
<p>Yes, people with 2400s get rejected routinely, while people with 2100s get in. But those 2100 SAT people had to strengthen their application in other areas (published author, recruited athlete, urm, outstanding hardships they overcame, concert pianist…) to get in. The admission process is holistic. Everything matters. Test scores are one part. Higher test scores=stronger application. You can make up weak test scores in other areas. High test scores by themselves do not make a great application-- less outstanding ECs/grades/essays/LOR/anything can sink high test scores-- but higher scores help, no questions asked.</p>