SAT Retake?

<p>I got back my SAT score today, and i was overall pleased. It was only my first try and got:
CR- 780
M- 780
W- 690</p>

<p>I was wondering, how much, if any, effect does having such a lower writing score matter? I am obviously happy with the 780's (which are above Dartmouth's 75th %iles), but is that 690 going to hurt me? My first instinct is to not take it again, especially since I will most likely go down in critical reading (i had a very good day, and by chance, knew every word). My math would most likely stay the same, or go up to an 800, while my writing would at most be 730/40. Do most schools only look at your best performance in each section, or is it more impressive to do well on the ones that count on your first try?</p>

<p>i wouldn't retake if i were you..... your score is definitely very competitive.</p>

<p>your scores would kick my scores in the a** so i'm pretty sure that you will do greatly!
reminder, you still have to pay for the test. maybe you are much more financially sound than me, so that might not be a problem pour toi.</p>

<p>thanks... that's what im thinking... i actually already paid for the testing date, cuz the deadline was yesterday, and i found out my scores today! (What a mean trick that Collegeboard plays on us!) I was wondering though, does Dartmouth have score choice? (you can pick and choose your best performance in each section)</p>

<p>My daughter looked like you the first time out and it was an EASY call to retake. She raised the Writing from 700 to 790 and ended up with a 2350. The Writing is by far the easiest to prep for- only a limited number of grammar rules to identify. There is a huge difference between a 2260 and a 2350 for the top 20 schools in the country. For the school she will be attending in the Fall, 2350 was about the median for unhooked ED admits and 2250 was the median for rejects/deferreds.
If you are a Junior don't retake until you are sure you know the Writing cold. If you waste a testing fee, so be it.</p>

<p>I dunno, it seems silly retaking with a 2250, but if you already signed up...</p>