Help me?

Applying to College
1

<p>I'm a rising senior. I'm applying to colleges. I want the best SAT score I can get.</p>

<p>So I took the SATI three times already, and my composite is 2260. Not too shabby but here's the catch:</p>

<p>Breakdown is 660 CR, 800 M, 800 W</p>

<p>That 660 sticks out like a sore thumb. I just can't seem to concentrate during the SAT reading passages during actual testing...meh.</p>

<p>I got a 5 on the AP Eng Lang/Comp test which has harder reading passages/questions...but I do well on those, not on the "easier" CR stuff.</p>

<p>My question: Should I retake the SATI in October and try a little harder and hopefully get a 730+ on CR? My Math and Writing will hover around 750 which is good by any standard, and it doesn't matter as much since schools only take the TOP scores from each category.</p>

<p>Maybe I can do better by luck or if I just practice a little. Hm.</p>

<p>I know most people say that three times is enough and that taking it again will look bad, but some Harvard adcom officer said it doesn't even matter how many times an applicant takes a standarized test (check a previous thread). The scores matter. I hope that will hold true if I retake.</p>

<p>I already took two SATIIs (750, 760). I could take Math2c in October...but I think a better score on CR will help me out more than a 750+ on another SATII since most schools only require two.</p>

<p>Btw, I'm most likely applying to top schools. Maybe an ivy or two and a lot of other competitive public and private institutions. My reaches so far are UPenn, Duke, UMich, and Georgetown.</p>

<p>Advice is appreciated.
Thanks.</p>

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<p>many colleges consider the M+CR score to be more important than consideration of the writing. so currently on a 1600 scale you stand at 1460, which is not too bad. considering you are "trying to apply to compeitive public and priviate institutions" then yes the CR as you say "sticks out like a sore thumb."</p>

<p>i would personally say, in the light of your AP score that your reading comp ability is sufficient enough to reach higher in the 750+s. identify your CR weaknesses, burn through a ton of practice tests (focusing on CR, but doing the occasional math or writing to make sure you don't lose it) maybe buying a book that focuses on CR only, read the tips, do everything it takes to keep you focused and retake it on october.</p>

<p>besides, if you don't take it and then don't get into the scools you want you'll be stating for a long time its that stupid 660 CR score! damn it damn it. better retake anyway... most schools are currently waiting for the effect of making writing a SAT I component.. the CR+M score still holds the most value. hope it helps</p>

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<p>yeah good point. if i get rejected from a school...i'll have a clue why.</p>

<p>i'm leaning towards retaking it. i think taking it four times with a 1540/2330 will look better than three times with a 1460/2260. sigh. two of those SAT sittings won't even matter since i did the best on all three on my third try.</p>

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<p>and get out of this "top" school mode, find schools that have what you want, and don't focus so much on the name</p>