<p>Hi guys! So I've taken the SAT two times:
first time: 2130, m 660, w 670, cr 800
second time: 2150, m 720, w 660, cr 770
super score: 2190
wondering if i should retake a third time?
I really don't want to, but that writing score is killing me. I'll probably be applying to competitive places (dream is Brown University) and I don't want something as silly as the writing section holding me back. I just wanted to break 2200 (so close!). Also, I really struggle with the SAT essay and got a 7 on my last one (this is what brings down my writing score). Retake or not?
Thanks!</p>
<p>No don’t retake. Your SAT score is great, there is not huge difference by any means between a 2190 and a 2200 or above. Plus, focus on something more important in the college applications such as the essay, EC’s, etc. Your SAT score is important but will not affect whether you get in or not. Don’t worry, I’m positive a college will not deny you because your SAT score is not above a 2200 but rather something else in your application</p>
<p>Check the schools you are going to apply if they do superscore. If this is near plateau for you, you would need a lot of effort to get any significant increase. Although 2190 is a little bit low for Ivies, your CR+M is still 1520 which is not far off. Have you ever tried ACT?</p>
<p>I agree with billcsho, give the ACT a shot</p>
<p>Really? I kind of wanted to put all of my eggs in the SAT basket. I don’t really want to start all over again with a new test. I also think I can do better, especially with the writing (I usually score 770s - 720s on my practice tests in writing). Is ACT easy to pick up ?</p>
<p>This is a tough one. A good case can be made for either decision.<br>
Start with which college you’ll likely attend - if your looking at math/science then a stronger case is made for no more retakes.
However, if you are applying undecided, or even LA, then deal with that Essay.<br>
If you really are only looking ivy and upper tier, and your transcript doesn’t show a gpa above 3.8 with a few AP courses: DEAL WITH THAT ESSAY.
Here’s the good news:
The Essay counts for 1/3 your WR score. By bumping up your Essay a few points you will undoubtedly break 700 in WR.<br>
Further, bumping up your writing skills will benefit you in the long run - many college-level course exams consist of essay prompts, to which you need to be able to pull together the vastness of your knowledge and present it in a well-constructed multi-paragraph response. This is why the upper tier Admit committees care about that SAT WR score. To be frank, you sound very intelligent without proper exposure to how to effectively write an essay. You won’t regret dealing with this now as opposed to later.
Lastly, bumping up that Essay score is not going to be hard at all. Create a Essay Resource List - and list literature and history topics covered in the past year. Look up dates, names, significance, etc. Practice with the construct of your paragraphs: PEA (Point, Evidence, Analysis). Practice responding to the prompts (see college board site for practice examples) - divide your time into 3 parts: plan, write, review. …and listen, mack: don’t tell me you don’t need to plan! You do. The Scoring Rubric used is designed to reward those who provide evidence of advanced planning (for example, mentioning in your Intro Para the specific examples that support your position). Hey! Who’s gonna pay me for this advice!!! Yes, I am a tutor, so if you don’t think you can apply this on your own (and that’d be true of almost all of us) then find a tutor in your area that is savvy and effective. I wish you all the best. You’ll get this!</p>
<p>One last thing: the ACT.
If you decide to jump ship and try the ACT - first take a practice test WITH WRITING (sorry, you can’t avoid the writing part - like most upper tier/ivies, Brown only takes the ACT with writing). If you score at/over 30 on your practice test, then it may be worthwhile to take the ACT with WR instead of working on your SAT - otherwise the fastest, most painless way to get to awesome will be SAT.
One last note: (and this needs a drum roll…) Brown is one of the few schools that will take the ACT+ in lieu of ALL SATs (the SAT AND SAT Subjects) required with your application. (double check their admissions page before planning your future as they don’t consult with me when they change their criteria for applying). Best~AnnieSureShot</p>
<p>Hi, I am in a VERY similar position to you. I go to a very competitive public high school and will be applying to elite schools. My best score from two tries thus far is 800 CR 760 M 680 WR (yep, writing kills me). With advice from my counselor, I decided, even though I truly didn’t want to, to take the SAT one more time, because my counselor said that most kids from my school who get into elite universities have 700+ on all three sections. That is just my PERSONAL experience–so I would recommend talking to your counselor. It’s a tough one.</p>
<p>Over 700 in all three sections is the standard for ivies. However, if you’re applying directly into math/science, then this is less so. That’s why I ask. If you are not, and if your transcript isn’t popstar amazing, then you really need to deal with that Essay, as it is the key to your WR score crossing the 700 mark. like I said, good news is that you’ll do it quickly, with a little work.<br>
Keep in mind - even if you do this, and your transcript is popstar amazing, that doesn’t guarantee admittance, it’s just a good start. Just do the best you can on everything and then let it go. Do the work, then trust that you’ll end up where you’re supposed to be.</p>