<p>To put it briefly, I took the Jan. 2012 SAT and, honestly, I didn't expect much.</p>
<p>Well, I get my scores and what d'you know, I got a 2290 on it (and what * me off the most about this was the fact that a -1 on this year's test was a -40 pt deduction; ONE damn question).</p>
<p>Now I was super-pleased with myself at the time for my score, but now as applications loom in the distance, I find myself regretting more and more ever day over not having retaken it much sooner.</p>
<p>The issue here is that now the only time I have to re-take the test is in November, without me being able to look at my score before having to send it in (because I'm applying early).</p>
<p>CC, tell me the BRUTAL and HONEST truth. Assuming I'm applying to top, competitive schools, and also in acknowledgment of the possible costs/benefits (mainly that I haven't studied since January) - should 1) I retake the test in November, 2) sometime before RD deadlines (and just using my 2290 for early), or 3) not at all?</p>
<p>Please! I'm desperate for some good, thoughtful advice! I know I don't really have a right to your advice, but all I can do is thank you for your help!</p>
<p>A 2290’s a very good score, even at the best colleges. You might want to retake if you, for example, got 800 800 690 or something, but it’s usually not worth retaking when you’ve already scored well. Focus on improving the rest of your application. To put it in perspective, I only scored 2070 and I’m at MIT now.</p>
<p>2290 is a very competitive score on the SAT. This should do very well for you especially when you consider the fact that an SAT score is only a small part of the college application. Colleges will also look at your grades and other test scores to get an idea of how competitive you are on a quantifiable scale, but remember that there are essays, CVs and other parts of the application that will help colleges get you know you as a person, which is just as important to them as your scores. Colleges want a student who is not just academically a good fit for the school but also a good fit personality-wise.</p>
<p>2290 is VERY good, I only got a 1920 on mine after taking it the second time. What were your scores in each section?</p>
<p>1.) If you really think you can get a higher score on it, then it can’t hurt. But at this point, your at the top level of SAT scoring and it’s down to your hooks for the top tier schools. A 2290 is not the end of the world for ANY of the highest ranked schools in the country, barring Caltech, MIT, or a college that has a huge focus on the math score. As for any other Ivy League or upper tier, your SAT is golden IMO. As you said, that one question costed you 40 points. A 760+ in most cases is not much different than an 800.</p>
<p>2.) As another user said, take the subject tests. The top tiers like those.</p>