<p>My breakdown is
CR: 730
Math: 760
Writing: 800</p>
<p>Too bad that 800 isn't in CR, then I probably wouldn't care to retake. :P But uhh, I am mostly satisfied with the score, it being my first time taking the SAT, besides my CR. I know I could do better, and possibly better in math as well, but I'm not sure if an extra 50-70 points will make a big difference for me? I am looking at competitive schools, including some Ivy's, so yeah.</p>
<p>I think so, yes. And that is based upon the caliber of schools your applying to. Keep in mind, though, that past a certain point there is minimal difference in higher SAT scores.</p>
<p>No way. I’ve heard from multiple credible sources that once above about 2100-2200, the SAT score really makes minimal difference. Plus why take that stressful test again and risk getting a lower score?? And finally, a 2290 in one sitting looks more impressive than, say, a 2320 in two sittings. Honestly, a 2350 isn’t much different than a 2290 and would never be a deciding factor on if you get admitted or not.</p>
<p>Cool, I was leaning that way anyway. At least this time around, I won’t have to do nearly as much prepping. I need to stop second guessing myself on all these standardized tests! It has only been my downfall.</p>
<p>Thanks for the response. :)</p>
<p>@momomomo, I see what you’re saying, and I was thinking that as well… although I never knew that it could actually be detrimental if I retook it and only did fractionally better.</p>
<p>I’ll wait until I get more feedback.</p>
<p>I also think it would be good if you focused your energies on things that make you “stand out”–ie interning, ECs, volunteering, etc. Ivies could build whole classes out of 2200+ scores and still have hundreds of applicants left over. Once you’re over a certain threshold, it’s really the other parts of your application that matter more.</p>
<p>Of course. I want to make those things my top priorities. However, if I were to retake the SAT, it would pretty much just be a matter of losing 4 hours of my time… plus maybe another couple to quickly prep again, but I studied practically all year for this test and I don’t think I’m going to suddenly “forget” all the tips and techniques I’ve learned.</p>
<p>Right now I’m mostly just concerned about it looking BAD if I were to retake them - especially if I did worse, ick.</p>
<p>I will definitely see my college counselor about this, ASAP.</p>
<p>Yeah I dunno, I guess all I’m saying is that a 2400 (which is very difficult) won’t really set you apart at all.</p>
<p>Alright, well that kind of information is really helpful. Thank you. :)</p>
<p>Everything helps. Though the difference between a 2290 and 2350 isn’t much statically, it looks better, no question about it.</p>
<p>No prob 
where do you think you want to go?</p>
<p>Not necessarily…if you retake with a high score already, you risk looking obsessive about grades/scores. (according to college boards test tips)</p>
<p>Well, right now I’ve only visited a few schools - UPenn, Swarthmore, and Columbia.
I’ve already fallen in love with UPenn haha. Going to be visiting Brown and Georgetown sometime soon as well.</p>
<p>I was in your exact same position as a junior. I had scored a 2290 on the January SAT, though my breakdown was VERY uneven (700 CR, 800 M, 790 W). I retook it to improve my CR score, and it worked. I ended up with a 2320 (760 CR, 800 M, 760 W) as my highest single sitting and a 2350 (same breakdown as 2320 except 790 W) as my superscore. I don’t know if doing this was a HUGE boost to my chances, but I think it should have helped.</p>
<p>SAT is not as important as you think. Getting good grades in challenging classes is what colleges will respect more than 50 extra points on SAT. I got into Caltech and MIT with a 2180 (780 M, 740 CR, and 660 W) so they must value essays and ECs more than test scores since many applicants at top schools get near perfect scores on SAT.</p>
<p>You will NOT risk looking “obsessive about grades/scores”. That is the most absurd thing I have ever heard. Please show me a link to that test tip. I will personally complain to the CollegeBoard if they said that, which I HIGHLY doubt they did.</p>
<p>Wow, no need to get your panties in a bunch. I read it last year though, I’m sorry I don’t save all my Internet history. A 2290 is a Great score that you should be very proud of, OP!!</p>
<p>I got the same score, distributed even more unevenly-only a 700 in math, but a 790 in CR and 800 in Writing. I’m not taking it again, and am thinking about the same schools as you. There’s a girl I know who got a 2400, and you know what? I really don’t think there’s much of a difference-it wont be the deciding factor in an admission. </p>
<p>However, if your EC’s aren’t strong (mine are the strongest part of my app), then you might want to retake. Otherwise, though, just enjoy life, dude.</p>
<p>THANK YOU EVERYONE for all the responses. People here are damn awesome.</p>
<p>That being said, it’s just slightly frustrating how the responses seem to be split 50/50 on retaking vs not retaking. 
I am definitely happy with my score, but would be undeniably happier with a 2350 or above. Who wouldn’t?</p>
<p>I have one more specific question. If I were to score incredibly well the next time I hypothetically take the test, like a 2350, should I send BOTH tests to colleges or just the 2350?</p>
<p>Bump. I’d just like to have this one Q answered. :)</p>
<p>If you think you will be trying for large, competitive merit scholarships, it might be worth it to retake.</p>
<p>The merit scholarship my son attends school on pays for more than full tuition. The university states clearly on its web site that successful candidates generally have a M +CR score higher than 1500. You are very close to that, and perhaps the rest of your record will be so outstanding that it just doesn’t matter.</p>
<p>But I don’t think the answer here is an automatic NO, just because the non-merit schools like the Ivys claim they don’t care. Quite a few of the schools ranked by USNews in the top 20 do offer lucrative merit awards. If you are applying to them, and you are looking for non-need based merit money, those extra points might make it worth your while. Two sittings don’t hurt. Three, maybe.</p>