I'm considering retaking the SAT a third (and definitely final) time

<p>So far, I’ve taken the SAT twice:</p>

<li>M 750, CR 730, W 730 (E: 11)</li>
<li>M 760, CR 770, W 710 (E: 10)</li>
</ol>

<p>Right now, I’m considering retaking the SAT a third (and definitely final) time in order to raise my writing score. What do you think I should do?</p>

<p>Things to keep in mind:</p>

<ul>
<li>Whenever I’ve taken a practice test, I’ve always gotten a solid writing score (typically 750+, sometimes even 800), but that doesn’t appear to have applied to my real scores.</li>
<li>I’m worried I might see a drop in my reading and math scores if I retake the test.</li>
<li>I’m a student from Canada, and my US college list will only consist of top colleges. My first choice is currently Yale. Many top colleges will require applicants to submit all test scores regardless of the new “Score Choice” thing. I don’t know what colleges would think if they looked at my transcript and saw that I retook the test a third time even though all of my scores were relatively good.</li>
</ul>

<p>Thanks for your help!</p>

<p>I think you should leave your scores as they are. Don't take the test a third time. I've spoken to quite a few college admissions officers, and even they say that the writing scores is of no consequence. ( as long as you don't completely eff up) anyhoo. You're scores are great, and don't take the test a third time b/c almost a third of students who re-take the test do worst the next time around.</p>

<p>Thanks for the advice!</p>

<p>I know that the writing section wasn't fully considered by colleges when it came out, but has the situation changed since then?</p>

<p>i'm not sure why you think 730 is not a good score but.. with your scores already this high, it would make virtually no difference if you took it again, even if you got a higher score.</p>

<p>Thanks. I think you're right. I've been conditioned by CC to think that 730 isn't as good as it really is.</p>

<p>I'd kill for a 730 in writing (I can't write for my life). You know... something small like a carrot. Not spiders, they're icky.</p>

<p>In any case, while I fully think that a 730 is amazing, don't the fear of a drop in scores stop you from taking it again. If you really think that you can do better and money isn't the concern (or something else), then go for it. Exceeding 3-4 looks suspicious (exactly 3 doesn't exceed 3-4) but even at that super scoring schools won't count it against you. Actually virtually no school I know of will count it against you, but it may not help you too much with schools that work with one-sitting scores. </p>

<p>Regardless, if it was me, I'd be sacrificing a goat or something in thanks for the random fluke that earned me a 730. Though obviously, you're not me.</p>

<p>Haha, thanks. I appreciate the advice.</p>

<p>You really have no reason to take the SAT again, your scores are outstanding. If you really want an additional score, you might consider taking the ACT. It is a very different test from the SAT and the writing section does not count in the composite score. My DS did VERY well on it and it translated into more scholarship $$$.</p>

<p>If you feel like you should retake it, and retaking it wont harm you then why not retake the test? I just took the ACT today, and I plan on retaking it as soon as possible. I was plannning on having my scores sent directly out to four universities, though after only getting abouy 3-4 hours of sleep before the test... I no longer will be sending scores out until I review them first.</p>

<p>If this is what you really want to do, then do it. I think colleges will see you striving for your goal of a better score (I think 800 on the writing right?). well, I think they will see your determination. But if you really think that you will mess up on the other ones, then there is a problem.
Good Luck!</p>