I don't know what to do now

Test Preparation
1

Hi everyone,

So I got my test scores today and I have mixed feelings. I got a 1400 (690 E 710 M) and I’m both kind of happy and disappointed. So for some background information:

Taken SATs three times
October 2017: 1360 (650 E 710 M)
December 2017: 1350 (620 E 730 M)
March 2018: 1400 (690 E 710 M)

What I don’t understand is that I’ve devoted my time to studying for the math section very extensively (using official practice tests, collegepanda, and more practice problems from khan) and did less work for english (did a lot for writing but not reading) but my math score DROPPED while my english score increased. I thought I would get 760+ for math but thats the range I’ve been getting consistently on CB’s official practice tests but I don’t know what happened. I’m kind of disappointed because, in my opinion, I have done a lot for the math but I don’t know. I know that I have to prepare a lot more for the reading and maybe a little for writing.

Now I’m debating if I should take the SAT for the fourth time in June. I’m aiming for a 1500+ because I want to apply ED for upenn. However, do you all think this is wishful thinking? I really want to go to upenn because I love their romance language program there so I want to double major in romance languages and international relations but I’m scared that my score is going to prevent me from getting accepted.

Any response would be appreciated and I hope everyone is satisfied with their scores! :slight_smile:

2

If you want to do romance languages or diplomacy, then 710-730 on Math seems fine and you could stop. On the other hand, for a school like UPenn when they are looking for humanities and international relations kids, they probably want applicants with language scores more in the 730-800 range, so you may be wasting your ED chance with UPenn.

Statistically most kids do not increase their SAT scores any more after the 2d or 3rd time.

Putting all that together, you could stop taking the SAT and just look for colleges where a 1400 SAT will be considered attractive. For example, at George Washington University you would be in the upper half of scores, and they have terrific international relations (located across the street from US State Dept).

3

Are you currently a junior? If so, I would probably just move on. Your odds aren’t great for a significant increase at this point if these are recent scores and your time would be better spent on things like EC’s and essays. If you are a sophomore, I’d just wait another year and start prepping next January for a spring testing date.