<p>I am an international senior applying to college this fall. I already took the SAT in May for the first time, and got a 2150 combined with 710 CR, 800 M and 640 W (6 essay). I want to go into engineering so I guess my writing score doesn't matter that much (Cornell Engineering doesn't consider it for example). Still, I would like to retake the SAT I this fall to improve my CR and W scores, especially the essay, since I think I can do better and I have been getting higher scores on practice tests. I want to take SAT II MATH 2 and SAT II PHYSICS subject tests as well, as they are required for many engineering schools. Should I take the SAT I in october and the SAT II in November or do otherwise? I want to apply to USC before the December 1st deadline to get merit-aid consideration and to UCBerkeley by November 31st, although they still accept December SATs. Then, I will apply regular decision to all the other schools, unless I change my mind and decide to apply ED or EA to some of them.
Thank you very much for your help.</p>
<p>SAT score is good. Even if it could be improved a little, you should not put off subject tests to do so. Since you are going to be applying to colleges that require subject tests, you should take those in October. That would assure timeliness if you decide to apply EA or ED anywhere. Also, you need to know initial scores on those and whether you might have to retake them, and if you wait until Nov to take those, you may not be able to retake them in time for regular admission applications.</p>
<p>I agree with drusba. Take the SAT2 first as it is required for most schools if you are submitting SAT1. After that, you may try to improve your SAT1 score. At this point, you should focus on meeting all the requirement before improving your chance for admission or merit aid.</p>
<p>Take the Subject Matter tests in October. Best of luck!</p>