SAT for the Umpteenth Time?

Applying to College
1

<p>Hey everyone quick question,</p>

<p>I am an Asian and I currently have about a 2100 after three times taking it. I got a fee waiver for the December 3 SAT. Should I take it for the fourth time?</p>

<p>I am thinking about applying to Columbia, Yale, and Georgetown. How bad will this look to take it for the fourth time? I sort of conflicted whether to take a free SAT test or not?</p>

<p>Could you please tell me what you think of my situation and what do you think I should do?</p>

<p>Thanks for your time.</p>

2

<p>Only take it the 4th time if you think you can make a significant jump-in your case I’d say 100 points. Another 75 would still leave you below median at 2 of your school, so it won’t help much. 100 points would get you in the running, but barely.</p>

3

<p>My main problems are CR and W. I feel like a 750 on W and 700 is CR is realistic, so do you think if I get at least a 2200, is it worth to retake it?</p>

4

<p>How do your 3 sittings look, by breakdown? Are you improving steadily each time or is it marginal improvements?
In general, I would not take it a fourth time. It really gives a bad impression on the admissions officers that you’re an obsessive test taker, and what difference does a fourth test make? I’m just being honest here, but if you think you could get a 750 W/700 CR, wouldn’t you have already gotten them with 3 tries?</p>

5

<p>1st try: 670 CR, 680M, 640 W
2nd try: 640 CR, 710M, 660 W
3rd try: 680 CR, 750 M, 690 W</p>

<p>I am Asian and in the bottom 25%-ile, so there is a reason to the “obsession”. So what do you think?</p>

<p>Frankly, I don’t plan on getting into Yale, but I would like to have a chance at Columbia and Georgetown.</p>

6

<p>These scores look pretty consistent.</p>

<p>It’s a really close call – You do have a shot to push CR and W over 700 each, which could help, but the scores are pretty consistent.</p>

<p>I think that both Yale and Columbia will be tough without significant improvement (definitely high reaches). You’re in the range for Georgetown as it is, though not blowing the roof off.</p>

<p>… Ok – I’ll punt. Make an appointment with your GC and take his or her advice whatever it is.</p>

7

<p>So lets assume I get a minimum of 700 on CR, 750 M, and 750 W. Is it worth taking a free SAT test?</p>

8

<p>Pushing all three sections over 700 would be worth it.</p>

<p>One question – have you taken the ACT? Is it still possible for you to do so and have your scores reported to these schools. Some students do better on this test than the SAT.</p>

9

<p>Yes, it may be a better use of your time to take the ACT instead of yet another try at the SAT, because there is a chance that you will do significantly better on the ACT than on the SAT.</p>

10

<p>I wouldn’t retake it. A 20-40 point boost will just be seen as having more experience with the test.</p>

<p>Yale will probably take 6% this year and Columbia 8%. They get the same caliber applicants. I’m not sure how you can not expect Yale admission but expect Columbia. A 700 CR score is not competitive at any ivy for an unhooked candidate.</p>

<p>I’d stop taking the SAT and focus on creating a list of the great college you stand a reasonable chance at and blowing them away with great essays and thoughtful applications.</p>

11

<p>I am thinking it won’t be 20-40 point jump but probably more of 80 -120 point jump. But do you think 2100 is competitive for my colleges?</p>

<p>I didn’t say had no chance or a chance at these colleges. I am saying that with Columbia, I have A CHANCE, with Yale, practically, none.</p>

<p>Isn’t 700 on CR above a 95%ile? And won’t higher sat scores on math and writing (750+) overshadow a lower CR score?</p>

<p>Thanks.</p>

12

<p>“Yale will probably take 6% this year and Columbia 8%. They get the same caliber applicants. I’m not sure how you can not expect Yale admission but expect Columbia. A 700 CR score is not competitive at any ivy for an unhooked candidate.”</p>

<p>Sorry, I actually was rushing my last post. I actually meant that I did not EXPECT to get accepted or denied anywhere, I just think I have a better CHANCE at Columbia than at Yale based on SAT scores/academics.</p>

13

<p>I would not retake a fourth time. It starts to look obsessive and you have a solid 3rd score. I’d suggest taking the ACT instead. It’s more of a perception, but taking the ACT now won’t appear as obsessive, just “covering your bases”.</p>

14

<p>I really have no experience with the ACT and I feel at this point when college apps are due, there is no point in taking the ACT after taking the SAT three times.</p>

15

<p>free2rhyme: I had a friend who took the SATs twice, got consistently around 2000. This wasn’t anywhere near where she wanted to be, so in the beginning of senior year, she took the ACTs without any prep and she got a 23, which is equivalent to 2220~2270.
I definitely recommend trying the ACTs, and do not recommend taking the SATs. What if your scores go down? It just isn’t worth it.</p>

16

<p>It’s too late now (late registration deadline was November 18 for Dec.) and the next test is in Feb. Let’s say, I have a way to ensure that they get the highest score of about 2200-2250? Is it worth the retake? (Note: this is a free SAT test).</p>