<p>With an SAT score of 2170 (M-720 CR-720 W-730) for my first attempt I would appreciate some feedback on whether to retake the test a second time and whether this current score would put me in IVY league consideration</p>
<p>I'm sure that you will get a bunch of different opinions about this, but here's my take:</p>
<p>In general, to be on the most solid ground with the most selective schools, you should try for a combined score of 2250 or higher, with the math and critical reading sections equal to 1500 or higher. This is based on looking at the statistical profiles for the schools, hearing from adcoms, and looking at the threads on this site from admitted/rejected/deferred students. Not totally scientific, but there are some consistencies if you look at this information. At this point, these schools do not weigh the writing section heavily or at all and they DO look at your highest individual score for each section. So it supposedly does not hurt you if you retake and go down yet you can take advantage of the potential to go up.</p>
<p>Keep in mind there is no cut-off for these schools. By getting the above scores you are putting yourself in the basket with the largest percentage of admitted students. If you decide to try again and your scores do not reach this level, you should still apply. There are many examples of students who have been admitted with scores like yours. Scores never tell the whole story.</p>
<p>I think I can give you some good advice on this. When I took the SAT for the first time, at the end of my sophmore year, I also recieved a 2170 (740 CR, 720 M, 710 WR). Here is how I approached this score: a fine first attempt, and a score that would at least put me in consideration at any college, even if I never scored as high again. Having this score in my back pocket, so to speak, I waited until the end of my Junior year to retake. I received a 2240 this time (750 CR, 780 M, 710 WR). Because I have always been a strong verbal student, I was disappointed that my CR and WR scores basically did not change, and so I took it again this past fall and got an 800 CR, for a superscored 2290. I never did any prep (honestly!)--I just don't have the discipline. </p>
<p>So, based on my own experience, take it at least one more time and see how you do. You are in a relatively low stress position, because your scores DO qualify you for consideration, albeit at the lower end of the middle 50% range, everywhere. Though I was unable to better my WR score (grrr), I made a gain of 120 points without prep. I also agree with the previous poster--the "most competitive" cutoff is around 2250. At least make a go for it--you never know if you are going to get lucky and have a great day/get a great test.</p>