Current junior, 1510 PSAT, 36C ACT, studied and did all I could to get a perfect SAT in March, got a 1570 (800M, 770CR&W), which is a 2320 on the old SAT according to the concordance.
I know I did well. I know that my score is high enough for most competitive admissions. Yet, I really want to retake this test, because I know I can do better. I’ve consistently practiced at around a 1590, and I know that a perfect score is not far out of my reach. My essay (7, 6, 7) could also be improved.
Before I register to take the June SAT, my question is, are there any consequences to retaking a high score that I’m not even aware of? Many CC users often comment that “score fishing” just “looks bad” to admissions officers, but I have yet to hear even anecdotal support that retaking can hurt one’s chances. Although I don’t plan on doing worse on the June SAT, it is possible, given my current score. If I do retake the exam, and I do worse in June, then do I have to submit this score to colleges? How does “score choice” work, exactly?
The deadline is today for the June sat, TBH focus on other factors of college admissions. I think you score is great as is.
You got ACT C36 and you’re strongly considering retaking the SAT? Why?
You’re better off using your time doing something more productive like volunteering at a research center and looking for a cure for cancer, or helping end world hunger, or donating platelets and blood to alleviate such shortages.
I’m pretty sure Harvard would reject you on the spot if it knew how you really wish to use your time.
Perfectionism might be off-putting to schools, who value authentic engagement over achievement for its own sake.
A kid who’s unhappy with a 1570=mental health risk /kid who cannot handle an imperfect score and is used to perfect scores, so won’t be able to handle competitive school where he’s a small fish in a big pond.
For less competitive schools there’s always the risk you’ll be seen as a test taking drone who’s lost the point of education and learning (hint: not standardized testing.)
It’s fine for honors colleges at public flagships but a 1600 will not change anything compared to a 1570.
Whenever you have holistic review with all scores required, it’ll hurt you.
If you want more information rather than confirmation you’re right, read what MIT 's and Stanford 's admissions state.
Honestly, I had the same question about retaking the test. I got a decent score the first time I took the SAT (2100), but I did a lot of prep and re took it for a 2380. At the point where I’m that close to a perfect score though, it is definitely not worth it to spend more time testing for a perfect score. I don’t agree that it is bad to want a perfect score like some people in the thread were saying, I totally get it. But, I do think that it makes more sense to do other things that colleges will look for in students. My view is that the SAT/ACT score is like a baseline- it might get you into consideration by the college or prevent you from being booted from their list of possible accepted students, but it isn’t what will actually get you into a school, even if you have a perfect score. Other things that might be productive to worry about are SAT IIs (not all schools require them, but some do and a lot of schools like them), or getting internships or doing larger projects/research that set you apart from other college applicants and show that you are passionate about what you do, not just about the success of getting into a good school.