<p>I just received my SAT scores from the March SAT and received a 2170. I also took the test in November and received a 2120. Though I planned to not have to take the test again, my real weakness is the CR section, and I managed to get a 670 on the March test. I, however, planned to take the SAT II Chemistry exam in May (just before AP exams), but I'm not sure if I should just use the two SAT II scores I have (World History- 800, Math II- 760) and retake the SAT, or forget about the SAT and take the SAT II for Chemistry. I would really love to go to Harvard (-_- seriously, who wouldn't, these days) or Yale, and I have really strong extracurriculars and a really strong GPA, but I'm not sure what to do, as of now. Any help would be fantastic!</p>
<p>I think Harvard only wants their applicants to take the SAT a maximum of two times (if anyone knows this is false, don’t hesitate to counter- I believe I read this a couple of weeks ago). I’m not sure whether or not Yale has a policy similar to this. However, your score may be a little on the low side. Your SAT II scores look pretty solid, though. If you have the time and are willing to commit, you should probably retake the SAT I. I’m not sure when you would retake it; it would depend on how much studying you believe you need to do/are willing to do. I would suggest studying/retaking for the SAT I and in the mean time, just focusing on your strong extracurriculars.
Don’t stress too much about the SAT, though (holistic process and all). But remember that although a good SAT score won’t get you into college, a bad one may keep you out.
If you really feel that your extracurriculars are strong enough to offset your SAT score, then don’t retake the SAT. Otherwise, retake it.</p>
<p>Math II 760 is not “pretty solid” given the enormous curve (it’s around a 39/50 correct. Most competitive applicants get 800.) I’d say firm, but not enough to support the SAT I score you have. I hope you also take a look at some safeties and matches too; you sound like one of the kids who are all gung-ho about the ivies and end up vastly disappointed.</p>
<p>Thanks, @caughtintraffic. I think I could definitely settle down and study for the test, but a part of me feels that if I don’t get accepted into Harvard/Yale, it most likely won’t be over something like 50 points on my SAT. In all likelihood, if I’m rejected, I’ll be rejected like the 2400’s or 2350’s who didn’t make the cut. I’m just concerned about seeming TOO desperate in the eyes of the Admissions Department.</p>
<p>Here’s the thing. Colleges may say you shouldn’t take it more than two times (or whatever number of times), but if you don’t meet their typical score, you are going to be fighting an uphill battle.</p>
<p>It’s better to take it more times than recommended and hit the score you need than to say but hey, I only took it twice like you told me to (but didn’t get a good enough score).</p>