<p>How do colleges (that do not superscore) look upon SAT scores that have decreased after a second sitting?</p>
<p>I took the March SAT and did well, though not as well as I would need to get into some top tier schools; I also didn't hit my personal goal. Then, yesterday, I retook the SAT. I came back home and didn't think I would do as well, but I was at least confident about the math (answered all of them).. until I came on CC and checked some of my answers. I likely got 2-3 wrong there, so that too will be lower than in March. I'm stressing out (a little) and don't know if this is going to affect my chances at admission or something. Granted, I have formed my opinions about this from CC, so it may be a huge stretch -- I'm not very sure. </p>
<p>I don't mean to come off as a troll or anything, it's just to set the record straight about this.</p>
<p>A slight decrease (~50) points overall won’t affect anything. Colleges know there is some variance. Also, the consensus here on CC from the June SAT is that the Math/CR will have average to generous curves as both sections were a little more difficult then normal. 2-3 wrong in the entire math section is still give or take a 740-760, which is a great score for everywhere but MIT and Caltech. Don’t stress about it, it’ll be what it’ll be.</p>
<p>The scaling on the SAT Math section is rather harsh. Everyone knows it.</p>
<p>I’d say that an SAT Math score in the 740-760 range is a great score. A related question is: “How did you do on the rest of the SAT?” I’ve had students who post Math scores in that range while scoring 800s on the Critical Reading and Writing sections. FYI, those students have done very well in college admissions – even at MIT and Caltech. That being said, the other facets of their applications were very strong: GPA >4.5, multiple AP classes with almost all "5"s (or IB classes), 800s on Subject tests, ranked 1 or 2 at his/her respective schools, deep involvement in extracurricular activities, demonstration of leadership in the community, incredible letters of recommendation, interesting personal statement essays, etc. Standardized test scores comprise just one element of the college application.</p>
<p>Keep your chin up, malaise. As neuromajor explained, there is a certain amount of acceptable variation in a student’s score for any given test date. Admissions committees realize this. Many adcoms only care about your highest SAT in a single sitting or superscore anyway. If you do plan to take the test again, put in the proper preparation and I’m sure you’ll achieve your target score. Good luck!</p>
<p>My D got lower critical reading and math score in June 1 test than she did last Dec. It’s ok within 50 points range.</p>