Hi,
I just got my August SAT scores backs and I got 1520 (780 Math and 36 R 38 W). This is better than I have done on practice tests (I was scoring mid- 1400 range). However, I will be considering top 20 colleges.
I am just starting junior year so I am wondering- is it worth retaking it later on and trying to improve?
I have a pretty solid GPA and courseload, but a better score obviously wouldn’t hurt. That being said, I am worried I will do worse. Please let me know your thoughts!
Thanks!
Focus on EC’s, leadership, and soft skills a 1520 is top 1-1.5%
Don’t do this to yourself.
No, you’re fine. Be happy that you scored so high this early on and relax. Now focus on the subject tests, ECs, and your classes. Good luck!
Great score. Focus on the rest of your application.
Agreed with the above–well done, @firefly3141 !
Tacking onto this question, rather than starting a similar thread. Class of 2020. First SAT. 1510, with 780 math (only missed one, but took an alternative test for extended time for an LD), 730 verbal (37W, 36R). SAT 2 Math 800. Will take Physics plus US History or literature in the spring.
Looking at William and Mary and Virginia Tech Science in state, midwestern SLACs (Oberlin, Grinnell, Macalaster, Kenyon, Wooster), plus Davidson, and likely some PA/ NY schools (Union, Layfettte, Skidmore). Will need some merit aid at the private schools.
My gut says that in spring or fall of 2019, it might be possible to get the reading score up to a 750, and maybe the math score to a 790, depending on the curve. My practical side says that it isn’t worth it to retake for a possibility of 20-30 points. That focusing on GPA this year and college applications next summer is more important. And that above 1500, it is diminishing returns. Plus, it would be nice to just be done with the SAT.
Thoughts?
Agreed, if you cross the 1500 threshold, celebrate and be done. Focus on the rest of the application.
Yeah- I feel the same way. I do feel like I would be able to improve my score later in the year but the improvement, if any, would be marginal, so it doesn’t seem to be worth it. It’s a relief to get this out of the way so early on though!
Why not just spend a little extra time prepping for the PSAT next month? With that SAT score, you will already have the confirmation score needed for NMF, so long as your PSAT crosses your state’s NMSF threshold. You never know if there might be some $$ lurking for NMF at a few of your target schools.
Excellent point SatchelSF. Part of the reason my kid took the August administration of the SAT was because the new SAT is so close to the PSAT, content wise. 2 Birds, 1 stone on studying. But working on the reading PSAT and doing some full length tests is a good idea.