<p>I know it's a common question, but I'm a bit confused and could do with some advice. I took the SAT in November and got a 1950(M:590,R:670,W:690). I then retook in Jan and got a 2150(M:710, R:750, W:690). I'm not sure if I should retake the test, because I'm aiming for schools like Yale and Columbia, and am not sure if my 2150 is good enough. Also, If I retake and do worse than 2150, will that have a negative impact on my chances? Doing worse is a concern considering that I never broke 2100 on any practice tests but managed to get a 2150 on my actual test. </p>
<p>I would really appreciate any advice or help. </p>
<p>I’d take it again with more practice this time just because you are looking at a schools like Colombia and Yale. However, you should aim for at least a 2200 next time.</p>
<p>I was thinking that I should do that but if I were to get below a 2150, would that have some kind of negative impact on my chances, or would schools only look at my best scores, which in that case would be my 2150? And if I were to retake in June, would that give me enough time to prep and increase my score?</p>
<p>I would say retake it, but only if you’re ready to prep for it hardcore.
I retook mine when I was at 2120 and raised it to 2250, so you definitely have a chance to boost your score.</p>
<p>Well… if you study, the score wouldn’t go down, would it? ;)</p>
<p>It would help to know your GPA and class rank or decile because if these components are somewhat low, raising your SAT score alone may not give you enough of a bump at ultra-selective schools like Yale and Columbia. If, on the other hand, you have close to all A’s in the most rigorous classes and you are a top ranked student, then you will definitely want to study/prep and retake the test and you may also want to consider taking the ACT test to see if you can improve your score there as well.</p>
<p>Well I’m an international student doing the IB diploma and my school doesn’t really rank students or give us a GPA in any sense. I can say that I am taking demanding HL subjects such as HL Physics and HL Math, and in my 6 subjects I am getting grades of 7 7 6 6 5 5. I don’t know if I need to relate that, but typically 7=A, 6=A- and 5=B.</p>
<p>If not, it might be a better strategy to use the June 2011 test date to take SAT subject tests in subjects you are currently studying so they are fresh on your mind. Then take the SAT again in October after you’ve had the summer to study.</p>
<p>Congratulations on raising your score 200 points in two months!</p>
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