Retake or not?

Test Preparation SAT Preparation
1

<p>Ok, so I got my Jan scores back, and I ended up with a 2290. Which falls just ten points short of my 2300+ goal. The breakdown is this:
770 CR
790 M
730 W (76 MC and 8 Essay)</p>

<p>I'm very happy with my M and CR scores, but very disappointed with the Writing score, especially the 8 essay. So, should I retake it or not? I want to bring up my score for the writing - I know I can do so much better. I'm planning on applying to the most competitive colleges (i.e. HYPS), if that helps.</p>

<p>I need to make a decision on this fairly soon because I want to register for March while I am still 'test-sharp' and also just so I can get it over with and be done with SATs!</p>

<p>So, what do you think? On the one hand, 1560/1600 is really good. But, I feel like I can't be competitive at the top, top colleges without a 2300+ (even though I know the difference between 2290 and 2300 is marginal... but I am an ORM).
So anyway, advice please. And thank you!!</p>

2

<p>With that score you'll most likely get into some top schools. However, the majority will still reject you. Maybe you'll get the Y, but not the HPS. Maybe the S but not the HYPS. Maybe you'll be stuck with, God forbid, the C (Cornell, not Columbia =p). </p>

<p>The correlation between SAT scores and acceptance rate is well documented--don't be swayed by the myriad of misinformed CC'ers who think that once you score about [input their SAT score] the SAT loses relevance in the admissions process. </p>

<p>If you think you can pull off a 2350+ definitely retake it. (Though a score in the low 2300s would be viewed essentially the same as your 2290).</p>

3

<p>While small differences in scores matter to top schools, I wouldn't retake. With that score, it's honestly a waste of time for you, and odds are, you'll probably do worse. Congrats on the great score! Wipe your brow and say goodbye to the SAT. :D</p>

4

<p>RETAKE IT IMMEDIATELY. Do standby if you have to! An 8 essay is literally asking for rejection at ALL top schools. It'd be even tough to get accepted to Tulane with that. Your destiny is on the line here; take it.</p>

5

<p>of course you should retake it. think about it - only .1% of applicants to top 20 schools that have below a 2390 get in. your 2290 is seriously subpar. if you don't retake you probably won't even have a chance at community college. i urge you to retake this test, otherwise you will probably get nowhere in life.... and don't even get me started on your disgusting 1560/1600... gross!</p>

6

<p>^^ Haha, thanks for all the replies, serious or otherwise.
I think maybe I won't retake it. There's no guarantee that I'll go up to 2350+ anyway, so all I would be doing is wasting time trying to improve my super-score. Not worth it, I think.
So thanks :D</p>

7

<p>^^ Haha, thanks for all the replies, serious or otherwise.
I think maybe I won't retake it. There's no guarantee that I'll go up to 2350+ anyway, so all I would be doing is wasting time trying to improve my super-score. Not worth it, I think.
So thanks :D</p>

8

<p>if you want, i'll give you my 740 writing. that way you'll have a 2300!</p>

9

<p>^ haha, how kind of you for offering :D<br>
btw, what part of LI are you from? I live on Long Island too - Nassau, to be more specific :)</p>

10

<p>how solid are you in critical reading? i feel like that's one that's really variable and can go down.</p>

11

<p>^ I'm pretty solid. I usually get between 0 and 3 or 4 wrong per test. But I agree with you, CR score can depend a lot on the passages and such.</p>

12

<p>Ok, thanks for all your responses.
So, I decided to retake it. Any tips on how to improve on the essay? i want to reach at least 10, if not 12....</p>