<p>I've taken the SAT twice, 2090 and 2210
I would be happy with a 2210, however, I got a 770 on writing and considering many college don't care much about that, I really only got a 1440.</p>
<p>I also decided to try the ACT and took it without knowing anything about it as a practice round of sorts since colleges don't have to see your score from each time. I got a 32 but my science score was very low because I was not even aware there would be a science section. I am usually very good at science and feel I can study and bring up that score.</p>
<p>So while these scores are nothing to complain about, I really would like to try taking each of them again, especially the ACT. However, my mom thinks my scores are amazing and I would be crazy to take any of it again. Her friends egg her on about the fact that I can get in ANYWHERE with my scores. right... I've offered to pay for the tests but my mom is insistent that I not retake either one. Any ideas on how to convince her? Is it even worth it to retake the tests?</p>
<p>Nobody can get in "anywhere" even with perfect scores. Your mom's friends are applauding you, but you're the one...not mom, not her friends...that has to feel satisfied that you gave it every best shot.
Please tell your mom that, while you're grateful to have done well, you want to take it again for two possible outcomes:
1) the next retake will come in at about the same result, and then you'll be
sure it truly represented your 'best' so you;ll have that peace-of-mind</p>
<p>2) one or more of the tests will improve and perhaps be the deciding factor
somewhere down the road in somebody's office, deciding between two<br>
great candidates</p>
<p>Also, promise her you won't get all excited and upset as these next tests appraoch. No household dramas. And if you get any lower in any test, it won't matter unless a school takes your "best sitting" rather than composite best subscores. </p>
<p>I can't see why a mom would object to your request, unless you (or she)gets
horribly stressed out before these exams. Try not to do that. Just prepare some more, get rest, stay confident, do your best. You already have great scores, so stay calm as you seek to improve (or confirm) them.</p>
<p>I wonder if your mom thnks a lower score next time will make you look worse to a college? If so, that's wrong. Show her on a website how they take either the best sitting or the best composite score, but never the "most recent." And they also never average them..maybe she thinks that?</p>
<p>Really, a retake can't hurt you and can only help you..so why not?</p>
<p>Thanks for your advice! That's a good argument that I really just want to try to do my best and don't care as much about the outcome.</p>
<p>And yeah neither of us really stress about the tests or anything which is why I think she doesn't want me to retake it because she sees it as just a waste of time and energy when I've already done (in her opinion) well enough.</p>
<p>I too would like to take it again, but it's a financial issue at this point. I am exactly like you; I got a 770 on writing and have a 1440 otherwise. I don't know how much my score would go up if at all, but looking at all the crazy good scores on this site makes me a little anxious, haha.</p>
<p>I hate when my parents try to tell me that lots of people would kill to have my scores. They can have them; I'll kill for someone else's. :]</p>
<p>bethyy - maybe you could convince your mom that you'd like to take it again to make you even more competitive for college-based and outside merit scholarships, many of which are very stats driven. I agree that you have very good scores, but if you are motivated to take it again I don't see why you shouldn't do it for the merit money aspect if you want to.</p>
<p>heyjude - you probably know that you might be able to qualify for a fee waiver for the SAT, but just in case you don't here's a link for the requirements - you could also use the merit money aspect for lobbying for a retake.</p>
<p>I had similar scores and got into a myriad of top schools. I don't think it is necessary. Those scores will get your application "read" and the rest is up to you.</p>
<p>It depends on what colleges you are applying to, but you got excellent advice (from another mom, as I think that poster is) about why a retake should have no harm, and might have considerable help. See </p>
<p>for links to the score ranges of enrolled students at various colleges. You have some room for improvement of your scores, and time to take the tests again. Naturally, you will also want to strengthen other aspects of your application file, but you might as well do your best while you still have time. </p>