<p>Hey CC,
So on the January SAT I got
800 CR
720 M
800 W</p>
<p>I'm pretty happy about these, but it is kind of bittersweet because I am definitely more of a math/science person, and was expecting to do much better. Basically my question is should I retake to get a better math score if I will be applying to colleges as more of a math/science person? I suspect most people would say yes, but I just wanted to get an opinion for how necessary it is before I commit to another testing. I am reasonably confident I can get an 800 on math, because I did on most of my practice tests, and I just made a few stupid mistakes on the actual test. If it makes any difference, this was my first test.</p>
<p>Its your decision. You can definitely get into most top 50 colleges with a 2320. Btw, how did you get an 800 in writing, that’s my hardest section. Did you just do practice tests?</p>
<p>Thanks for the feedback guys! I was thinking I should retake, but it’s good to have a second opinion. </p>
<p>RenegadeJ - First I reviewed the grammar guide on Sparknotes, just to get a feel for what I was looking for, and then I just did a lot of practice problems. At first I struggled on them, but after a while my mind just started to see the patterns in the questions. I don’t really do them systematically, but after I just kind of got an intuitive feel for the questions. I realize that’s probably not the best explanation, but basically I just did a lot of practice and it started to kind of come together. For the essay I followed the guide on this forum. My essay definitely wasn’t great writing, but it filled two pages with decent examples, which is all you need.</p>
<p>If you’re a perfectionist then go for it. It would significantly impact whether or not colleges accept you. You did extremely will and be proud of that.</p>
<p>Haha, I would certainly not consider myself a “freak genius”, but I did expect a score of 2300+. On my last four practice tests I got over 2300, and since I took them timed I saw no reason to expect anything different on the actual test. I really do believe that anyone with reasonable intelligence can achieve a good score by practicing a lot with the Blue Book tests. Over time my mind just kind of started to recognize the patterns of the questions and what they were looking for, and the answers just seemed to kind of jump out at me. I know that sounds really abstract and vague, but I can’t really find a better way to explain it, because I don’t really use an concrete or systematic strategy on each question. If you do well in school I’m sure with enough practice you will be able to get a score you’re happy with.</p>
<p>Thanks. I’m trying to get a 2200 so I can get into a school of my choice. When I told my friends that I got a 186 sophomore year, and a 202 junior year on the PSAT, they were surprised. I honestly hate SAT with all my being and I have no way around it besides studying or ACT which will only be more pain. </p>
<p>I wish I was like you and could have the problem of being close to a perfect score lol.</p>
<p>Definitely retake…my son just got 800 M, 740 CR , 750 W
and he is retaking. he made a perfect score on the PSAT CR so he didn’t practice that section as much…and so it goes…good luck…only a few of the top schools don’t honor score choice (Yale) but if its not on your list then no downside!</p>