How many times should I take the SAT?

Test Preparation
1

<p>I've taken the SAT 2 times so far and I'm a rising senior.</p>

<p>My scores for the CR and Writing sections are pretty decent(but not amazing yet), but my math score is lagging. (combined low 2200s) And the reason why my math score is relatively low is not because I can't solve the questions but rather because I make silly mistakes in simple calculation.</p>

<p>So I was wondering if it would be a good idea to take the June SAT to ONLY focus on the math section and secure an 800 in that section, so that when I take the August SAT, I won't be preoccupied with my calculation errors in the maths.</p>

<p>But there's a couple of things that are making me hesitant about this.
1. Do colleges check the scores as wholes as well as combined? (if so I can't 'mess up' the rest of the sections in my June test)
2. Will colleges know how many times I have taken the SAT? (I've heard that it's not good for you to take the SAT more than 3 times)</p>

<p>Help me out here :S</p>

<p>thanks in advance :)</p>

2

<p>Hey!</p>

<p>I really think you should take a look at this thread: most of the replies and info should apply to you too.</p>

<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/sat-act-tests-test-preparation/1125538-should-i-retake-sat.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/sat-act-tests-test-preparation/1125538-should-i-retake-sat.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>What were your individual scores for each section, if you don’t mind me asking? </p>

<p>In answer to your questions:</p>

<ol>
<li><p>Well, the scores you send them will show all three sections, but it’s not a cause to worry unless there is a big discrepancy between two or more sections (i.e. someone has a 510 on Math and 760 on Critical Reading.) That would be a cause to worry and the college officers would probably take it into consideration.</p></li>
<li><p>Yes, colleges do see how many times you have taken it (a good reason not to take it more than 2-3 times as you said) but they only see the scores you send them because of Score Choice. However, if you take it 4 or 5 times the admissions officers will think you are too fixated on scores. </p></li>
</ol>

<p>Honestly, I’m not going to say that there’s no difference AT ALL between a 2200 and a 2350, but really at this point your score will not be the factor keeping you out of Ivies. Obviously there’s not ‘ballpark’ for Ivies but it definitely keeps you in the running. </p>

<p>Take a look and let me know if I helped :D</p>

<p>Best of luck!</p>