<p>D just came in beaming. She exceeded her score goal on her first SAT. Yeah! On CC her score is below what many students want, but her goal was to score high enough to qualify for the top merit scholarship at state U, and at least be considered for merit scholarships at a number of other schools. Her writing was disappointing but not unexpected. She knew she messed up on her essay. She's happy. I don't know if she'll retake it. </p>
<p>Happy, happy morning here. Now if she makes it through the physics and pre-calc finals over the next 2 days.</p>
<p>Happy morning here too. Third time was a charm for my daughter to get 700 on the CR. She had very high math and writing scores but wanted the 700CR for merit aid. After a 690 and a 680, she's very happy with an even 700. She changed her strategy and omitted four, compared with answering everything the last time. We've come across some schools with set criteria for merit awards (Harvey Mudd in particular). She's relieved to never have to take it again, yay! Just the physics subject test in June yet to do.</p>
<p>My daughter's situation just like rrah's; scores below most of CC but good enough for pretty much all the schools she wants to go to! This was her second SAT; she had two good scores her last time and raised the third this time, raised scores a lot from her disappointing PSATS. 1640 PSAT to 1920</p>
<p>Hi, everyone. Our daughter's first attempt was decidedly mixed, with 100 pt. difference between each of the sections. Wondered if anyone had any experience with:
- how much improvement can be expected on repeat sittings?
- how important is it to have consistent scores across all sections?
- does anyone know where to find a list of schools that do not require SAT's?!
Thanks.</p>
<p>kbmom, don't forget about the ACT as an option. There are probably many students who are extremely high scorers in one area that don't do as well in other areas. </p>
<p>SAT scores are only going to be one part of your D's application. I know it's easy to get focused on the scores but there are a lot of other factors too.</p>
<p>Many schools look at the best composite scores (but will look askance at students who take the test lots of times -- and what student who is deeply involved in various activities has the time to keep prepping?).</p>
<p>Be aware, though, that for many outside scholarships and awards, the standard is not the best composite score but the best single-seating score (and may even be the best CR-M single-seating score in some cases). Not a big deal for most students -- just don't get blindsided if you have your eyes on a particular award.</p>
<p>
[quote]
how much improvement can be expected on repeat sittings?
[/quote]
</p>
<p>My daughter had good intentions about doing some test prep but it didn't happen. Her scores are remarkably consistent from one sitting to another. I think the recommendation to actively do something to raise scores from one sitting to another is sound advice. For my daughter, that meant changing her test taking strategy to a more conservative one. She had no desire to take a test prep course in order to change a 690 to a 700, and had enough self-knowledge that she wasn't going to have a shot at a 750+ type score either. </p>
<p>As to consistency between sections, I don't think it's that uncommon to have a fairly wide range.</p>
<p>D was on the computer checking her scores at 7am (central time). She came out with a smile-- exceeded her goal on her first try. Done. Won't retake, won't bother with ACT. She was a bit disappointed with her math and essay scores, but, overall, very happy. Best of all, she beat her older brother by 10pts! No more "dumb blonde" jokes around here--girls rule!</p>
<p>My son just got his scores: 790 CR, 640 M, 710 W. We were just notified last week that he is in the running for National Merit, although he is sure to be named "commended student", rather than semi-finalist. It's all good.</p>
<p>This was his first time taking the SAT, and his last. No mas! He studied on his own over the last year, using prep books I bought at Borders.</p>
<p>He's not a typical CC kid - he's a B student. He's got some good extracurriculars: Varsity athlete, Eagle Scout, referee, jobs, and last but not least, girlfriend. He knows he's not looking at the competitive schools his sister did and he's fine with that.</p>
<p>I'm just glad he did well and that we can move on to the next step.</p>
<p>I assume SATII scores are on-line, too? My son is unaware that he could get them today, and the morning was too hectic to make him go online to get his scores. He's out all day until late. They'll wait till tomorrow.</p>
<p>May was first time for DS2 as he was "snowed out" of the March SAT. Parents happy with 730 M 720 CR and 700 W but DS2 was upset with Math score - thinks he can get an 800. He's not an HYP type student so we don't think he needs to retake but he wants too. (I also think he wants to beat DS1's overall SATs which were about 50 points higher.)</p>
<p>
[quote]
for many outside scholarships and awards, the standard is not the best composite score but the best single-seating score (and may even be the best CR-M single-seating score in some cases)
[/quote]
Could you give examples of some of these scholarships and awards? Thanks.</p>
<p>It, too, was a happy morning in my house. My son got his SAT II results back and got 800s on the U.S. History and Chemistry. The chem score is very welcomed, as in the middle of the year, his AP teacher was fired (it's a long story) and he all but had to self-study for the AP exam and SAT II. Although he had previously done well on his sophomore SAT IIs, I think he'll take one more -- Spanish -- for college placement. No more SAT I. He's really happy with that score.</p>
<p>I wish I could say the same for my students. One young man asked me if you can retake the SAT II, which you can. One of the girls sought out my son and asked if he would tutor her in math. Another girl told me that she did not get the scores she sought, either. </p>
<p>Some days, being in a high school, is not much fun. I hate to see such disappointment, because these are my son's friends.</p>