<p>OK, so I recently got my January 24th SAT results back, and I got a 2330 - 800 CR, 760 M, 770 W. I was very happy with my results and initially decided that this would be my only attempt, and I was done with the SAT reasoning.</p>
<p>My parents were happy as well, but my dad has recently been prodding me - not forcing me, mind you - to retake. The thing is, I'm pretty sure I could get a 2400; I got a 760 Math due to 2 very stupid mistakes [mixing up the 10s and 1s place and assuming a rectangle was a square] and, well, Writing I legitimately missed one question and got a 10 essay. I still think I could do better.</p>
<p>Is retaking it worth it? I'm applying to at least one or two Ivy's/top-tier schools and am not sure if those last points could make a difference. One of my dad's biggest selling points is "you don't want to finish the college application process feeling that you could have done more", and I have to say I sort of feel the same way.</p>
<p>But still, there's a fine line between ambition and neuroses, and I'm wondering if I'm toeing it.</p>
<p>Just to emphasize, this isn't a brag thread. No offense, but your admiration/envy/pity is not what I'm here for :)</p>
<p>Haven't you been on this forum long enough to know that there really isn't a difference between a 2330 and a 2400. Its within the margin of error for God's sake.</p>
<p>
[quote]
Haven't you been on this forum long enough to know that there really isn't a difference between a 2330 and a 2400. Its within the margin of error for God's sake.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>That's what I thought, but I've read other posts that preach the importance of every damn point. And this is really the facet of my application that I can control, so I want to make the best possible use of it.</p>
<p>Or maybe I'm just another obnoxious CC kid.</p>
<p>IMO, while you probably ARE capable of 2400, and you may have just made a couple silly mistakes on your Jan test, chances are you will probably commit some other silly error on a retake. It's not that you and anyone else with >2300 isn't smart enough to get a 2400, but that it's just near-impossible to answer several hundred questions over the course of four hours without making a single little mistake.</p>
<p>On the other hand, as long as you're extremely confident your scores won't go down, I guess there's not really any harm to be done in retaking it. It's your decision. I just wouldn't go in <em>expecting</em> a 2400.</p>
<p>I would think that I would be more likely to retake if I got an 800 CR because Math and Writing are a lot easier to improve on and clean up any stupid errors. If it were the other way around and you were trying to improve CR, then I wouldn't advise retaking</p>
<p>Retake if you are sure you can avoid silly errors altogether. If not, don't retake. Also don't retake if you have to miss out on something substantial to take it again.</p>
<p>If you plan to apply to schools that superscore or will accept score choice, definitely retake. It's just a few hours instead of sleeping on a Saturday.</p>
<p>There is probably no point to retake. 2330 is pretty much the same as 2400 to most colleges. However, in a similar situation I decided to retake a 2300 and then wound up with a 2400. It was pretty much just luck, but I am glad I decided to retake, but I could just as easily ended up with a 2270 or something if I had been less lucky. So just do whatever you want.</p>
<p>well, anyway to argue the opposition to most of these threads, let me cite my own example. i had a 2350 in december (CR760/M790/W800) but i was absolutely certain that 790 math was not the best i could do and i retook with mainly in order to get an 800 there. while i deproved on average (CR770/M800/W760) as most 2300+ retakers will, my superscore actually increased to 2370 (CR770/M800/W800). i'm actually happier with that result and who knows, you might achieve that 2400 you seek. so if you feel you can definitely score better, why let anyone else on this forum stop you.</p>
<p>anyway, in favor of not retaking, i would point to statistics that show net deprovement, possible overconfidence and possible stress you place on yourself because 'you know you can get 2400'. </p>
<p>go into your retake (if you decide to) with a calm mind, realizing that you have a great score to fall back on, and with that you may improve. for math, the best tip i can give you is to use a good, effective calculator and triple check each answer, ensuring to read the questions very closely for tricks (that's how i got a 790 in the first place, really stupid error in my reading).</p>
<p>I realize there are new rules these days as to which scores you can show to colleges, so with your own time and energy, go ahead, do it.</p>
<p>But realize that this new policy has not changed college admissions forever, some colleges can opt out of that option. Depending on where you apply, you may look brilliant (which in my opinion is already evident, but hey we all want the 2400) or you may look artificial and systematic. IMHO coming across with that score, you look genuine and real, and someone whose intelligence is a matter of great decision. But to retake for a few points of boost, that original luster begins to fade.</p>
<p>So, consider this according to where you apply. Just a thought...</p>
<p>@ andyjo: I believe those two posters were utilizing a form of verbal irony known as sarcasm :P</p>
<p>To the OP: only retake if you think you can improve and consequently will feel better about yourself. Retaking a 2300+ to get ahead in college admissions is foolish. There's always the possibility of getting a lower score, and adcoms recognize the fact that curve fluctuations can lower or raise a score in the 2300 range by 50 pts.</p>