Retake SAT again? or perhaps try ACT?

Applying to College
1

<p>Ok, here's the thing...</p>

<p>I took the SAT for the first time last October and received a 2290 (730M 800CR 760W)...
I am applying to elite colleges and I really want to get in. I feel like I've worked too hard these past 4 years, and I want the next 4 too be as heavenly as possible...</p>

<p>I'm applying to Harvard early action (I really don't think I'll make it, but I know I'll probably just be deferred, which doesn't hurt me).I'm also applying to schools like Stanford (top choice), Penn, Northwestern, Duke, etc...</p>

<p>I've been studying SAT for so long and I've taken perhaps over 40 practice tests (at least 20 from a test prep center that were more challenging, and at least 20 real past administered tests).</p>

<p>I scored 2400 a few times on the real tests, but I just get so nerve racked that I can't think straight when the real thing comes around :(... ( The problem is I get really paranoid about being perfect, so when ever I am in the math sections, I can't stop thinking about whether or not I made a mistake in the reading/writing sections DX)</p>

<p>I just took it again this Saturday, and I know I didn't get a perfect score in math (I know I missed AT LEAST 2), but I feel like my score doesn't do me justice in the college admissions process.</p>

<p>I've taken AP/honors math classes all throughout high school and received all A's and a 5 on the Calc AB test. I am currently enrolled in Calc BC.</p>

<p>I also have an 800 on the SAT II Math IIC exam.</p>

<p>Will my 730 math score hurt me a lot in admissions to these top colleges given my background!?</p>

<p>Should I tackle the SAT again or maybe try the ACT during December?</p>

2

<p>STOP. Promise me no more standardized tests. Your current 2290 (with a perfect score on critical reading which colleges love) already is in the top 99%+. You back it up with an 800 on your SAT II math. If you try and take it again, or switch to the ACT, requires even more practicing and more stressing. Now, just focus on your your senior fall grades and writing some spectacular essays that highlight a part of you.</p>

3

<p>Breathe. Relax. Work on something else for your app. Your SAT is fine.</p>

4

<p>Stop with the testing. 2290 is fantastic. Your SAT II Math score makes up for any ‘deficit’ in the SAT Math score. Getting over 2300 won’t necessarily increase your chances to 100%. You can still be rejected with 2300+ and you can still be accepted with 2290. Work on your essays and interviews.</p>

5

<p>Why apply early to Harvard if Stanford’s your “top choice”?</p>

6

<p>@sherpa Stanford is my top choice so I want to take the best shot at it. I feel like I will have the best shot applying regular decision. Also, I was really uncomfortable applying early to Stanford because most early applicants are outright rejected, something that would really disappoint me… Harvard, instead, defers most all of its early applicants. Harvard is, in my eyes, the best educational institution in the world… There are so many world renowned scholars there and a huge endowment that can provide it’s students with endless resources for school and research. Harvard graduates and current students are some of the best people I’ve ever met.</p>

<p>Still, Stanford is also an excellent school and it’s close to home, something that is very important to me. Stanford is also comparable to Harvard in the fields that I’m interested in.</p>

7

<p>I don’t see why you want to try ACT. Your current SAT score is great and would not be a reason for rejection at any score. Your SAT2 Math2 will help your not so perfect SAT Math section score too. Nevertheless, if you are considering any second tier schools aiming for merit aids, a slightly higher score would be helpful.</p>