Is retaking the SAT (and/or SAT II) worth it?

Test Preparation
1

<p>I am currently a senior, trying to figure out what standardized tests to retake (if any).</p>

<p>So far I've taken the ACT once (composite: 35 - 34 science, 35 reading, 34 math, 35 writing) and SAT once (composite: 2110 - 750 critical reading, 690 math, and 670 writing). My SAT II scores are: 750 Biology; 740 Math II; and 680 Spanish (I won't send Spanish to any schools except for Georgetown, but more on that later).</p>

<p>Obviously my SAT score is pretty low, but I know I could bring it up to a 2250 (I didn't study at all before taking it the first time, and the practice tests I have been taking recently have all been about 2250). However, even this improved score is still a lot lower comparatively than my ACT score (which is a 2340 SAT according to conversion tables). So is there even a point in retaking the SAT? If I don't, I would probably just send the ACT as those scores look a lot better (although if this sounds like a bad idea, let me know!). To give some context, the schools I will be applying to are: George Mason (safety), BU, American, Northeastern, McGill and Georgetown (reach).</p>

<p>The other issue is my Georgetown application: they want three subject tests and the scores from all standardized tests you've taken. I feel very insecure about my SAT scores and SAT II Spanish score as they are clearly below average. What would you recommend I do in terms of retaking tests for this school?</p>

<p>Any opinions are much appreciated!</p>

2

<p>ACT is fine (I got a 35 too,congrats :smiley: )
If you are very confident you can bring up the spanish score (which is hard for non-native speakers), by all means take it again, as it is quite low compared to their average SATII. If you think 680 is close to your ceiling, consider a history or literature exam. If you have taken AP Lang., APUSH, or AP World, you should do fairly well on the respective SATII (I got an 800 on SATII and 5 on APUSH exam; they’re very similar). In review, ACT is great, don’t bother with SAT. Either retake Spanish if you’re very confident, or take a history or lit exam for which you’ve already taken the class. Good luck OP!</p>

3

<p>I would call it a day and work on other aspects of your application.</p>

<p>Your ACT score is excellent and supersedes your SAT score; your SAT Subject tests are also excellent. For G’town, you are overthinking the Spanish score. A 680 bypasses 4 semesters of Spanish.</p>

<p>Spend the time you would have used in prepping for tests to craft some amazing essays.</p>