<p>I got a 2260 (M:770, CR:750, W:740 - 8 essay, 77 MC). I wanted to retake this because I'm applying to Ivies and I wanted to be as competitive as possible. My parents are telling me that they won't care about a 2260 compared to a 2400, but I really want to take it just one more time (in the fall). </p>
<p>What do you think?</p>
<p>Also, do you think getting good subject test scores would cancel the need to retake?</p>
<p>Can you baby-sit/mow lawns/save money from another summer job and pay for the registration fee for the fall?</p>
<p>Honestly, those scores are high enough to be put in the “considered” pile. Your acceptance will hinge on other things besides those scores. You could probably spend your time more effectively elsewhere.</p>
<p>Colleges will not care if you get 50-140 more points on your next sitting. Focus your energy on doing something meaningful to set yourself aside from other applicants with carbon copy academic statistics as you.</p>
<p>It depends on your time and priorities.</p>
<p>If you have meaningful activities that the SATs would detract from, then it’s probably not worth it.</p>
<p>If you have time to devote to focused study, then consider retaking. In particular, I don’t think that 8 essay looks too great, and it would be an easy thing to patch up.</p>
<p>Don’t casually retake it on the off chance you do better.</p>
<p>I wouldn’t say that great subject test scores “cancel” the need to retake. They’ll certainly help your chances, but at the end of the day, you’ll never know if they will compensate enough to get you in.</p>
<p>I thought that colleges only see your writing score, not your breakdown</p>
<p>Depends on the college.</p>
<p>I don’t think it “depends on the college” whether they SEE the breakdown. The College Board sends the scores in the same format to every college. The question is whether the College Board sends that breakdown. I have seen posts out here on CC saying the colleges do get that breakdown. But they care a lot more about the essays you send with your application than that breakdown. My kid had a perfect score on her essay on the ACT, and we discussed sending it to her colleges with the hs guidance counselor (who used to be college admissions officer). She said don’t bother, they won’t really look at that, and that the essays you send are more important in the analysis of that skill.</p>
<p>Suggestion: Have you read Cal Newport’s book “How to be a High School Superstar: A Revolutionary Plan to Get Into College By Standing Out (Without Burning Out)”. It is sort of how to zig while everyone else around you is zagging. But it will help you put test scores and your other activities into perspective. I suggest you read it NOW, it might help you think about how to spend your time this summer.</p>
<p>I agree with your parents. Your scores are great. They are right to tell you to stop obsessing about this–it’s not important–and I’m sure anyone at those schools would agree with them. In fact, I’m sure they would rather have a cool student with other interests than a test/numbers-obsessed person. Move on.</p>
<p>Listen to your parents. Your scores are good enough. Don’t worry about the essay score. The SAT essay is a joke. Some colleges look at the essays as a “check” to confirm that you wrote your own application essays, others do not even do that much.</p>
<p>Great subject test scores help, so if you have not yet taken those, prepare to do well on them in the fall.</p>
<p>But the best use of your time would be to focus on writing great application essays and doing what you love. SAT scores are not the key to unlocking the gates of top schools.</p>
<p>hell no. I know a lot of people who can get into top schools with your scores. So chill man</p>
<p>I’m taking Math 2 and U.S. History and I
think I can get a 750+. Will that look good w/
a 3.94 GPA and being in the top ten? I know
it’s not just a numbers game, but I know
numbers are still a factor.</p>
<p>I’m taking Math 2 and U.S. History and I
think I can get a 750+. Will that look good with
a 3.94 GPA and being in the top ten? I know
it’s not just a numbers game, but I know
numbers are still a factor.</p>
<p>Haha… Oops. Double post.</p>