<p>Sounds absurd but I feel because of the high curve (i.e. I missed around 5-6 problems) I can make a much better case for myself by retaking for an 800. I was getting that on practice tests (never with more than 1-2 mistakes) but I let careless mistakes get the better of me.</p>
<p>I'm planning to take this again in November along with Lit and Physics--worth it?</p>
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<p>Because it is…</p>
<p>When 18% of the testakers scored higher than me–the 18% that will be competing with me at the colleges I’m looking at–I feel everything can make a difference. At least an imperfect 800 means I didn’t miss more than 5 or 6 questions.</p>
<p>If this really is absurd, for colleges like MIT, chicago, etc.–my life will be a lot easier :)… Just want to make sure that it really is… absurd.</p>
<p>I don’t think you should retake. Focus on other parts of the app. 770 is fine…</p>
<p>Would not retake either. If I was the adcom I would be asking myself why this applicant has so little of importance in his/her life that they would spend a Saturday morning retaking a 770 test score.</p>
<p>Cool thanks for the advice. I was planning on just taking it along with my physics and lit because it’s a fairly easy exam that wouldn’t need much prep, but I certainly wouldn’t want to give that impression to adcoms. </p>
<p>Thanks again.</p>
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<p>[MIT</a> Admissions | Blog Entry: “What’s the big deal about 40^2?”](<a href=“http://www.mitadmissions.org/topics/apply/standardized_test_requirements/whats_the_big_deal_about_402.shtml]MIT”>http://www.mitadmissions.org/topics/apply/standardized_test_requirements/whats_the_big_deal_about_402.shtml)</p>
<p>My daughter took only three SAT IIs. Her scores were: U.S. History 800, Lit 760, and Chem 640. She got into UPenn, Columbia, Princeton, Brown, Duke, and several other great schools. She was unhooked and had no national awards, but wrote an excellent essay that really gave insight into what makes her tick (several admissions officers commented on it). Her experience shows that many top colleges want people who are interesting, not just good test-takers.</p>
<p>You don’t need to retake a 770!!! Are you majoring in math? Focus on getting 800ish on the other tests.</p>