<p>My original SAT scores weren't so great:</p>
<p>630 CR
540 Math
730 Writing = 1900</p>
<p>I was hoping to bring my math score up to 600+ and my critical reading to 700. I studied between taking and retaking the test, but not extensively. Although I felt more alert and prepared the second time, I only felt slightly more confident in my answers. I also omitted fewer questions, because I felt that I had been overcautious about making educated guesses the first time I took the test. I was just wondering how much (if at all) scores increase between taking and retaking the test. Is it probable that my scores will increase to reach my goals?</p>
<p>Typically, people get about a 30 point increase when taking the SAT for the second time due to decreased fatigue and anxiety. But if you are more knowledgeable than the last time you took it, then it should go up much more than that.</p>
<p>Nothing is guaranteed, and it’s very possible that you’ll do worse. However, by your scores it’s obvious that you have potential. Just increase your rate of studying and you’ll be fine.</p>
<p>The more you study, in most cases, the more likely you are to see an increase. My son was shocked that when he studied his scores increased significantly…especially in CR.</p>
<p>It depends on how much preparation you do, and it may go either way. CB estimate at +/-30 points in CR and Math sections in retake but a +/-40 points in Writing retake, so a total of +/-100 points. If you do a lot of practice in between, you may be able to see a significant boost. Also, CB don’t believe you can get several hundreds points of increase in the next retake and they may suspend the score for investigation.</p>
<p>Some students increase their scores from approx. 1900 (1st try) to approx. 2200 (2nd try). I have also known students who scored lower due to a lack of preparation, illness, or inadequate sleep. Your performance in round 2 depends on your motivation level, work ethic, and “how” you prepared. With a highly motivated student, anything is possible. Good luck.</p>
<p>Some prep companies might say that scores don’t go up that much. But what do they know? I for one am constantly increasing my SAT score by learning the rules for Math and Writing and practicing the CR section. It just depends on how prepared you are. If you studied well and are consistently hitting the score you want on practice tests, then that is how good you are at taking the SAT. It’s really logical if you think about it.</p>
<p>My scores:</p>
<p>Jan 2013: 790 CR ; 770 M ; 680 W
May 2013: 770 CR ; 740 M ; 800 W
Difference: -20 CR ; - 30 M ; +120 W</p>
<p>My case is not typical, because I only missed 1 W MC when I made the 680, but received a poor essay score. If I had received what I felt was a fair essay score on the first test, I probably would not have retaken.</p>
<p>I feel like math is probably the easiest section to raise, so I wish you well in retaking.</p>
<p>EDIT: I did not study for either administration, I don’t know if that will help inform your comparison.</p>