<p>Hey guys. As you can tell from my username, I plan on applying to UPenn ED this fall. I want to maximize my chances for admittance, and I can't decide if I should take the SATs again. I've taken them twice already and gotten a 2240 superscore (720 R, 720 M, 800 W--12 essay). Those are right on the average for Penn, but the R/M score is lower than Penn's average. If I take them again, I think I can go up about 50 points, maybe to a 750 in R/M each if I do really well (I've done that on a few practices). However, I can also go down (for example, i only got a 640 R the first time I took the ACT, & a 660 math the 2nd time I took it). What I was wondering was whether Penn really looks at all the scores (I know they take the superscore, but do they still see the 600s?) If they see everything, then I'm worried that if I go down, they might think my superscore was a fluke. But if the computer separates it and they really only see the superscore, then I think I might as well try one more time to see if I can push myself to at least a 750 in reading or math. </p>
<p>So, what do you guys think? Is it worth it to take them again? Do they see all the scores, or just the superscore? I need to know ASAP, because the registration deadline is in 2 days for the Oct. 5 SAT? How much do you think I would have to go up to significantly increase my chances.</p>
<p>So you know, I'm a female from a NJ high school. I have a high GPA (3.85), have taken 8 APs total in high school, and for extras I'm president of one club, on the board of another, a news columnist for the newspaper, do independent research, NHS, and have won two academic awards. I took the ACT last week for the first time, and am hoping for a 34. If I can get that, I'll never have to worry about the SATs again because that equates to I believe like a 1510. Should I retake the SATs if I get a 33? What do you think are my chances now, and how much would they be increased if I do more standardized testing?</p>
<p>Thank you thank you thank you for reading this and hopefully replying.</p>
<p>That's understandable, I'll shorten it down for my main question:</p>
<p>What I was wondering was whether Penn really looks at all the scores (I know they take the superscore, but do they still see the 600s?) If they see everything, then I'm worried that if I go down, they might think my superscore was a fluke. But if the computer separates it and they really only see the superscore, then I think I might as well try one more time to see if I can push myself to at least a 750 in reading or math. </p>
<p>Do you (or anyone else) have any info on that?</p>
<p>If you haven't noticed yet, Penn has a holistic approach to your application, so apparently they wouldn't just look at your SAT scores.
And how are your scores below the average when their average is between 650-740 for almost all the sections >_>?</p>
<p>dude im at penn and the average was 2140 this year (you can look up the article on the daily pennsylvanian website), so you are well above it...basically when they are looking at the app they check if your score falls into a range (which you are in) and then looks at the other stuff you bring to the table. the sat wont make or break you. don't retake.</p>
<p>Okay thanks Zester and dlesk. I know my overall scores are at the average, but isn't that brought down by athletes and sometimes affirmative action admittees? I was just nervous because I talked to a former admissions officer at Penn and she told me that they looked for a 1450-1600 R/M range. Zester, I know the whole thing is holistic, but I'm not one of those blow-them-away applicants, and because my SAT is about the average for Penn, people have told me I only have like a 40% chance of being accepted because it's so competitive. I really want to get in and have been trying to figure out something to stand out. Therefore, I figured if they only saw the superscore, I thought why not? If I could bring my superscore up to a 2300 or so than it would take my application from "borderline" to "good chance," wouldn't it? And if I did worse, who cares, it wouldn't hurt me. That's why I asked. Thanks.</p>
<p>your scores are fine haha.. just relax. if you get in.. ya get in.. and if ya don't then the admission people don't think you belong. it isn't going to be a matter of whether or not you are qualified. your SAT is crazy good haha. try and take a chill pill. and relaxxxx</p>
<p>Thanks pahka. You're probably right, but my guidance counselor is pushing me to take them again, saying I probably wouldn't get into Penn with my current profile. :(. </p>
<p>Any other opinions? The sign-up deadline is tonight? Thanks!</p>
<p>PennHopeful and TJ123,
DON'T FREAK OUTTTTTTT!!!</p>
<p>I actually just called college board like 10 minutes ago to sign up for SAT IIs but hey guess what? I've got a 2230 and I took it twice too...
and i'm also applying...I only took 3 APs junior year and am currently taking 5...
we're in a similar situation and I'm not freaking out about it cuz sounds likeyou got othe extracurriculars to back it up</p>
<p>A 2240 is a fine score. I'd personally only retake it if I were sure I could get at least 2300+. I also wouldn't take it more than 3 times. After that, scores tend to plateau and marginal score gains are minimal.</p>
<p>They aren't going to hold other lower attempts against you. I've even read this somewhere. I can't remember where, but just trust me.</p>
<p>Hell, my PSAT scores were included with my profile as well via my school transcript, and those were ATROCIOUS compared to my actual SAT. So, don't worry. They are only going to care about your highest.</p>
<p>My theory about the SAT has always been about braking barriers. 700, 750, 800 etc. adcoms glance at your sat score, so they will only take an impression from it and have an idea of what range your score is in. I think that it will be hard for you to get a 750+ in any of the two sections (the higher your score the tougher it is to improve it) and therefore you shouldn't retake it. The number of times you give it doesn't really matter (A friend of mine gave it four times and got into Penn). And yes only your best scores will be considered from each section. If you think you can break a barrier in any or both of M and CR, then go ahead and give it.</p>