Hey guys! Finally decided to join this site!
So I am debating whether or not to retake my SAT. I have already taken it 3 times (1110, 1490, 1480) with a ss of 1510 (730 EBRW, 780 M).
I am an Asian male looking at some of the top 10 colleges, my ecs are decent with lots of volunteer and work experience. I also have SAT 2 bio+math2 both 750+. Would it be worth it trying to get 10-20 points increase on the sat?
Taking it 5 times wouldn’t guarantee anything. I think you’re fine with a 1510 as long as your grades, ECs, essays etc. are fine.
I don’t see 10/20 SAT points moving the needle on an admissions decision. After three attempts I’d say its time to move on and focus on other parts of your application (I’m assuming you are a HS senior).
Top ten schools are a reach for any unhooked applicant, yourself included. Be sure to develop a well rounded application list that also includes match and safety schools that appear affordable (run net price calculators) and that you would be excited to attend.
There’s a point of diminishing returns. (Not just in results, but the energy diverted.) Sometimes, better to spend the time knowing what the targets are really about, what they do look for, and nailing your app.
But the needle for both parts of the SAT is 750. We can’t tell you if the CR 730 puts you behind the pack, in a real sense, without knowing more.
We don’t know if your ECs are above average, among applicants to Top 10. Lots of driven kids. You’re better off, I think, getting a better read on what it is that makes you a compelling candidate. Or not.
@lookingforward my ecs include research on nerve cells (several fairs attended) done under a professor at a local college, leadership in hospital volunteering, several international competitions for Future Problem Solving, president of school NHS, captain of Math leagues, and a lot of work hours (to support family finances)… so yeah, nothing special, but hopefully in the range for top 10 schools.
With this in mind, do you think that I should be aiming for that 750 mark of EBRW?
I think, first and foremost, you need the right targets. Sure, throw in a reach or two, but understand the particular difficulties (and wants) of a tippy top. And when you just say Top 10, most of us wonder if any kid understands the differences, what makes one a great candidate at one and not others.
Retaking is just looking for numbers. Much more is neded for an admit. Yes, many kids will have your EC profile. Some with more, including non-stem rounding.
Some kids tell us they hope for a tippy top, but openly include safeties they would be happy at. I hope that includes you.
Statistics show it’s unlikely for meaningful increases after 3 attempts. Your 2nd and 3rd already seem to have converged.
I agree with @lookingforward You seem to be overly focused on top 10 schools. Apply to a few and give it your all but with acceptance rates often in the single digits, any top 10 school must be considered to be a reach (and for any unhooked applicant).
IMO too many people get caught up in finding reach schools and don’t spend enough time focused on seeking out those amazing and affordable match and safety schools (and there are lots of them). Please do not fall into this trap.
Thank you guys for the input. I am not aiming entirely for the top 10 schools of course. I have already been admitted into my state flagship school and am more than happy to attend. I am also applying to a few out of state public schools (which I’m really iffy about due to lower FA), also, I am looking at the higher ranked LA colleges (Williams, Amherst, Carleton, etc…)
Even Collegeboard’s site talks about taking the test up to about 3 times. Sounds like you can move on to other things at this point, as there is also a chance that your scores could drop, not improve.