<p>I took the 11/2011 SAT, and yesterday, I got my scores back. Needless to say, I did not get the result I wanted. So here it is.</p>
<p>2230 Composite:
690 CR
800 Math
740 Writing</p>
<p>This is my first time taking it, but I'm not all that happy. I'm taking my SAT II US History in January, and the deadline for December has already passed. March would be a bit soon for a retake considering I'd have a month to dedicate to studying; May would be during AP season as well (I have 4 exams, 5 if you count Physics C as two exams). In June, I also have the SAT II Physics. Therefore, I'd have to wait until October of next school year to retake them, unless I really decide to go and take it in March. Here are my questions:</p>
<p>1) How good/satisfactory are these scores for a school like Harvard? My brother got in with a 700/800/800 split, but then again he took the writing separately (1600 point system). My scores kind of resemble his I guess, but the 690 bugs me a bit.</p>
<p>2) Should I take them in March? For my practice tests, I had been getting high 500's every single time in CR, but I changed my CR strategy the night before the exam, and I got that 690. It definitely can't be an adrenaline-related matter, because I had never scored above a 580 on any practice test, and improving 100 points all of sudden has to be a strategy thing. I also felt a lot more comfortable with CR, even though my score still isn't amazing. Considering how insecure I felt with CR before, I am proud of my improvement, but not proud enough. Basically, I had this quick improvement in CR, and if I had time to develop it, even for a month, do you (all) think I'd be able to hit in the 750-800 range? I'll settle for anything 700 and up (10 points away. Talk about disappointment.).</p>
<p>So I suppose the composite would be: 2100/2390
However, you can’t be sure about the composite necessarily. Either way you’re right in the 50th percentile, so you definitely could get in if your other credentials are good. I think that you could raise your writing score to 800 or atleast like 770 more easily than you could raise your critical reading. If you missed points on sentence completions, people recommend studying the books Direct Hits 1 and Direct Hits 2. </p>
<p>But yeah, about the writing… I’m only a freshman in highschool, but I was just taking some BB2 tests to see how I’m doing, and on the writing I started out with a 680, learned my mistakes, took another test and made entirely new mistakes or silly flukes, and got another 680. Then I took it yet again that same night and got a 750. I haven’t taken it again yet, but I feel like I could easily get an 800 if I get a perfect essay. So yeah, just learn your mistakes on the writing multiple choice, look at people’s essay guides and you could probably get an 800 writing.</p>
<p>Sounds like your brother got in several years ago. Things have gotten MUCH tougher. You would need a hook to get into H with a sub 700 test score. Sub 750 would be tough.</p>
<p>I would prioritize a retake of the SATI. You can take two SATIIs on the same date. You can also usually get into a sold out test date by going standby on the dates.</p>
<p>Once again, thanks so much! I really do appreciate all the feedback/comments, even though it may seem like I’m just saying that. I really do.</p>
<p>DumbAndLethal, I also noticed that. I was just on the border, so I got a bit uneasy. I feel like I could improve my CR just by developing my new strategy/approach. Also, for the writing, I wrote a bad essay. The moment I finished, I knew it wouldn’t be that good. On all of the previously scored essays I have written for practice tests, my scores ranged from 10-12, and I got an 8 on the real thing. First-test nerves I guess.</p>
<p>Waverly:
Yeah, my brother got in during the '05-'06 school year. That’s the same thought I had. However, getting into Harvard from my school has always been a lot easier (I go to school in the Cambridge Public System). Based on Naviance’s stats, the average GPA and SAT scores for students accepted from my school seem low (94.5/100 and 2160). However, those subsection scores for the SAT are all probably above 700. </p>
<p>As for retaking/scheduling, I’m going to take the US History subject test in January, because I will have finished APUSH/AHAP by then. I also have to take Physics in May for a science for MIT if I also decide to apply there. I’ll try to take the SAT I again in March and give myself an extra opportunity. </p>
<p>I also rely on my EC’s to get me into a top school (impressive violin achievements, volunteer work, work/managerial experience, sports, clubs, etc.).</p>
<p>Well I know many of the kids personally that got in. I really don’t mean to sound overconfident, pompous, rude, or anything of that sort, but none of the kids were truly stand out individuals. Each had a solid extracurricular and maybe a less significant one as well. The reason for the abnormal acceptance from our school (A bit more than 20% acceptance in the past 4 years compared to the ultimate 7%; essentially no outstanding students) is because of political issues. Don’t quote me on this; I’ve heard this from thousands of people. Harvard does not have to pay city taxes to the city of Cambridge, so generosity towards our school’s prospects is Harvard’s way of giving back. I don’t know the credibility of my sources though.</p>
<p>To get back to the question, I have met many students with below par SAT scores who have gotten into Harvard. Maybe my EC will do the trick for me, but should I really prioritize my SAT I while I still have SAT II’s to take? I’ll definitely retake it next October and November if I have to, but is it worth taking it in March of this school year and freaking about it this early?</p>