<p>I took the May SAT (second time) and scored 2140 (720 M, 720 CR, 700 W)
I know its low by Harvard standards, but it is my reach. Anyway, I wasn't sure if I should take the SAT again to make it more competitive. I could probably get 2200-2250 if I really study like more than ever haha, but I don't know if it's a waste of time. The Harvard FAQ says generally taking the SAT more than two times offers "diminishing returns." Would a score in that range make that much a difference from the grade I got? i'm afraid the third score will make my application a bit worse.</p>
<p>I was in the same situation as you, 2150 second time (740 CR, 700 M, 710 W). At the time, I had thought that taking the SAT a third time would be a waste of four hours on a Saturday morning. Boy, was I wrong. If I took it a third time, I'm sure I could have had 800 in W, and a higher score in CR. I mean, there's not a huge discrepancy between 2100 and 2200, but if you can manage to score 2300 or above, you should definitely consider taking it again. I know if I had chosen to take it again, and scored 2300+, I might have been waitlisted rather than flat out rejected by at least one of my Ivy League schools. Harvard is a college that receives far too many high SAT scorers for it to matter, but for schools like Columbia and UPenn, a higher SAT could make the difference.</p>
<p>If you do choose to take it again, be sure you make the effort to prepare.</p>
<p>You could take it again, but 2140 is a good score, even for Harvard. I advise you to take it again, because you've still got more than 7 months...</p>
<p>I had a 2120 (670 CR, 750 M, 700 W) and was still accepted to Harvard, MIT, Cornell, Brown, and other top universities. Sure, I was also waitlisted at others, but most are.</p>
<p>After getting this score after my second time, I too wondered if I should take the SATs again. But then I realized that I wanted to spend my summer and the rest of my school year enjoying it, and becoming more involved in the activities I enjoyed participating in (like EMS, marching band, and research for me). If I had taken the SAT's again, I would have spent so much time studying, and not concentrating on other things. I think my participation in extracurriculars made my application stick out, and my SAT scores did not hinder me. </p>
<p>I am also an Asian female from a middle-income family with no legacy, athletic recruitment, or any special hook (except maybe Intel Semifinalist, which I would not have been able to do if I spent my summer studying instead of doing research).</p>
<p>so the fact that it is my third time won't hinder it at all? (assuming I do like 2250-2300?)</p>
<p>Well it depends what else you are giving up. Every student is different.</p>
<p>I don't recommend spending your summer studying to improve your SAT score - doing Intel research is both more likely to help you with college admissions and to be more valuable to you in the long run. (Job experience, recommendations, knowing how much you like lab work etc.) I don't think it will hurt you to take the SAT a third time. With super scoring (which Harvard says they do) there's always a chance you'll improve, but I do think your SAT scores are good enough as they stand. I wouldn't put a lot of time into it.</p>