Retake A 1500 SAT? (International student)

Test Preparation
1

I took the SAT for the first time this December and I got a really good grade (1500, 740 EBRW and 760M), which was a pleasant surprise because it was higher then I scored on practice tests by 30-50 points! I also got a 6/6/6 on the essay.

Now I am debating if I should retake it, keeping in mind that I am aiming for top-tier Universities (Harvard and Upenn and my top schools). Some people think that the higher the score the better, especially as an international student that faces much harder competition. However, some claim that once clearing the 25th score percentile of the school you are aiming for, retaking the test doesn’t have that big of an impact. Instead, they argue that one should work on the rest of his application (GPA, extracurriculars, etc) Instead of retaking the test after scoring 1500+.

What should I do? If I have the time should I retake it?

2

I got deferred from Penn with excellent grades and ECs. My SAT was 1500(700 EBRW, 800M)

3

Personally, I wouldn’t retake a 1500. Instead, If I were you, I’d work on other parts of the application.

4

Your stats, in general, are awesome but because you’re looking to go to the super good schools, they prefer 1550+ scores. Is your GPA high as well? Honestly, I’d advise you to look into the average SAT scores that accepted students have in these schools and compare your own with them. If you’re near that range, you shouldn’t need to retake it but if you think you can do better and have time and see a possible need for it, definitely do it. In the end, you don’t even have to send the second score if you do worse on it or if you do better, you can superscore as well. Also, if you choose to retake it, work on your essay score, SAT grades essays really hard and 6/6/6 is average.

5

What would you define as “near that range”? I believe that Upenn’s average is 1510, and Harvard’s is 1540.

6

1500 is enough. SAT is only one part of the application. If you did not get in, it is not the fault of your SAT.

7

^ This

8

Then I’d say Penn is within reach but Harvard is still a bit out of reach; however, you need to look at what your first choice is and if your score meets them because again this is about the place you want to go to the most. Also, if money isn’t a problem in paying to take another test, I don’t see any harm that can be done- no college’s gonna know you took it twice unless you actually tell them. Sorry I sound so double- sided, this idea has both pros and not cons but rather, unnecessary parts

9

Then I’d say Penn is within reach but Harvard is still a bit out of reach; however, you need to look at what your first choice is and if your score meets them because again, this is about the place you want to go to the most. Also, if money isn’t a problem in paying to take another test, I don’t see any harm that can be done- no college’s gonna know you took it twice unless you actually tell them. Sorry I sound so double- sided, this idea has both pros and not cons but rather, unnecessary parts