I just got the scores back for my first SAT. I received a 2290 (730 CR 800 M 760 W); I was aiming for a 2300+ so I’m thinking about retaking it. Does a 2340 or something close to that look that much better than a 2290?
if you have the time and money, and you’re willing to prepare for it again, then re-take it. you have nothing to lose. A 2290 is a very good score and can help with getting merit awards, but for admission most colleges are interested in the 1530 and the 800 in math. Be sure to take the SATII math exam and do well there. It will confirm that the 800 was no fluke. Whether a 2340 looks better than a 2290, the answer is “yes.” to a very select group of schools if the applicant has the GPA and ECs to back up the 2340. If the applicant is not applying to the Top 30 schools or doesn’t have the GPA and ECs to do so, the 2340 is good for merit. It’s a matter of your situation rather than a general rule.
Thanks so much for the advice.
@jkeil911
I don’t agree. I feel that retaking tests to increase scores by 30-40 points is futile.
None of the admissions staff want a student to obsess over SATs and ACTs. Until and unless OP increase to around 2360 or more, I wouldn’t recommend giving again.
Rather than spending time studying for the tests, OP should now dedicate time to SAT IIs and APs and GPAs. That’s more important.
2290 is not bad anywhere. I feel it would give a ‘score obsessed child’ impression to the reviewer (until, of course, the improvement is around 80-100 points).
A 2290 will not keep you out of any college.
A 2290 is fine and as someone said upthread, retaking would indicate to adcoms that you don’t understand the point of test scores. That score shows you can do the work. It won’t matter whether it’s 30 or 50 points higher. Focus on other parts of your application.
Thanks for all the helpful replies; I don’t think I’ll be retaking the test and instead I will just focus on other parts of my app.
Spend your time working on an EC, it’s of more use.