I just got my first SAT scores back and got a 1540. 800 on math. 740 on RW. I’m trying to decide whether I should register for the December test, so I can superscore. I would like to get my reading score up. I heard that this reading test was hard in comparison to others, and I feel I could do better if I dedicated more time to studying for it. I would also like to up my essay score. I got an 18/24, but hardly prepared for it. However, I’m worried if I retake it, and do not get another 800 or close to it in math, it will look bad to schools that require you send all scores. Is getting my reading and essay score up in order to super score worth the risk of making my math score look bad? Will colleges view my math score negatively if I do not get another 800? I’d like to apply to some top tier schools for engineering or math, like Stanford and Carnegie Mellon. Thank you!
You have a very good score and it won’t necessary to retake. Anecdotally, I have a student who did exactly what you are concerned about. His perfect math score went down to 750 when he took the test a second time. His reading score went up, so he was happy I think, but he will have to send both tests. I wouldn’t worry too much about the essay. I think 18 is fine. It’s your call.
Personally, I’m of the opinion that if you do not get into your first choice college, it will not be because of a 1540. But that’s your call.
Even if a college does not allow score choice and requires all scores, most (and certainly Stanford and CMU) will do their own superstore and look at the best scores, so I would not worry if you don’t score 800 in math.