Last Minuet Decision: To Take or Not to Take

Test Preparation
1

<p>So, I now have a dillemma on my hands.</p>

<p>My SAT I Score was good (800 m, 760 v), and not, I'm not planning on ever retaking that.</p>

<p>For SAT IIs, I got a 760 U.S. History (I thought I could do better), and a 750 math. I'm not really concerned about those.</p>

<p>However, for some of the Ivies/Top LACs, my other two SAT II scores worry me for being below the 50% line for some of them per school.</p>

<p>720 Literature - 87th percentile.</p>

<p>710 Writing - 80th percentile.</p>

<p>-----So, the question is whether I should retake them tommorrow. After semester tests and applications, as well as other activities, I have found myself to be exhausted today. I have barely had anytime to take practice tests, and I haven't studied recently.</p>

<p>However, all it costs is some registration fees (there is always space at my location), and time tommorrow morning. I think that I could get a higher score, but I'm not sure if I can do it tommorrow. This is my last chance.</p>

<p>So, should I give it a little try? All that would be important would be to raise scores 30-40 points to 750+. It is not much, but could help. I would peg my chances at raising one of them that high at around 35%.</p>

<p>(Remember, Writing scores is only 80th percentile, low for some of the top schools that require the writing test. However, I'm from a rural public school that would not have the acedemic standards of a private school. Perhaps they will see potential in my SAT I scores, and hope that they can raise my SAT II scores. These are just my thoughts, thanks for reading them.)</p>

2

<p>But if you haven't been studying, can you guarantee that you will improve? Your other scores are very strong, so I don't think it would be a problem if you didn't retake. Plus, do your colleges even know to expect new scores? Don't forget the cost of sending score reports.
I don't think it's worthwhile to retake, since you're 700+ in everything.</p>

3

<p>Thanks Zantedeschia. I always respect your opinion (and good luck on getting 4,000 posts).</p>

<p>I think that the only help in improving would be my English class over the past 4 months, that has included ALOT of close analysis. I am leaning towards not going, however, so if anyone would play the part of devil's advocate, you could convince me.</p>

4

<p>I would retake them if I were you. Not that your scores aren't good enough, but Writing and Lit don't really require much studying. It's not like you have to really prepare yourself for them.
I would just get a good night's sleep and show up on time tomorrow.</p>

5

<p>Thanks! That's very sweet of you. And as you can see, I'm working very hard to get to 4,000. Hopefully tomorrow. </p>

<p>Well I've already listed a couple of reasons not to go.
Hmm, how about...you don't want to wake up super early? Ehh? lol
And, you have to worry about january scores getting to colleges on time (they always seem to take so long even though they "wait" for them)
Umm, I don't think 50 extra points will make a difference, since you do have all you other strong scores. </p>

<p>I hope you don't stress too much about deciding! lol</p>

6

<p>I wouldn't retake them because of what Zant said. It'd be too much of a hassle I think to pay for everything and there's no strong guarantee that those scores would even improve. They are already good scores.</p>

7

<p>Ok, I think I won't.</p>

<p>---I COULD get better scores.
---It COULD help my applications.
---It WOULDN't take TOO much.</p>

<p>BUT,
There are times when you have to give yourself a gift. My only regret is a 80th percentile for writing.</p>

8

<p>But horray! No more SATish tests!!</p>