I scored a 1540 on the October 2018 SAT and I got -1 R, -1 W, and -2 M (770 reading 770 math). My essay score was 6 5 7. I’m OK with my reading score, but I made REALLY dumb mistakes in math, and I’m not too happy with my essay either. Is it worth retaking the SAT this year for a better math and essay score, or should I focus on my other academics and extracurriculars?
A balanced 1540 is super. Focus on the rest of your application.
I think 1540 is a great score, (my DS20 got the same score, lol. He is one and done!)
I assume you are looking at selective schools, so have you done the subject tests? Your time might be better spend on subject tests if they are “recommended”; on your essays; on your other parts of the applications; and on sleep/relaxation if possible.
@nennu888
It’s always a bit hard to say with these cases. In an ideal world, 1540 should be good enough, especially considering each section was a 770 (an 800-740 might be viewed as a bit weaker). However, there are reasons to believe (data trends, testimonial evidence from admissions officers, and more) that higher scores really do make a difference at the top schools, even at this point. Of course, if you take the SAT again, you might not do better–it is hard to consistently get 0 wrong per section. Most colleges claim to superscore, though. If they are telling the truth, there is no harm in retaking. If they are not, e.g. if any admissions officer sees how many times you took the test and/or what you got each time, then there potentially is harm in retaking. It is hard to really know what goes on in an admissions office.
If you weigh these considerations, I would say it is a toss-up as to whether it is worthwhile to retake. I guess a lot depends on how confident you are that you can improve that 770 in math to an 800.
Others will say you should focus on other things. This is true, but doesn’t really bear on this discussion: it won’t take very much time for you to prepare to take the SAT again. It should not take time away from other things.
Absolutely no reason to retake. A 1540 won’t be the reason you get denied.
I see no reason to retake. You’ve got an excellent, balanced score. No need to try to squeeze out a few more points that won’t matter, considering that so many schools have holistic admissions - high SAT and GPA by themselves don’t guarantee acceptance. Many schools are looking for well-rounded students, thus give substantial consideration to EC’s, community service, special talents, awards etcetera.
And there’s no guarantee that you’ll score higher the second time around, so a retake might turn out to be a waste of time or even hurt you.
It depends on what type of schools you are applying to. If you are applying to MIT etc engineering colleges, I would want 800 on my SAT math. I am not good in math (not STEM interested at all) but I still got 790 in SAT math.
Assumes facts not in evidence. From another thread: “I’m mostly targeting the UCs, especially Berkeley.”
Your balanced scores are fine. Spend your time on other things. Despite what some self-proclaimed SAT tutors seem to say, preparing to take the test again does require time, and I do not believe that there is any ROI on investing more time on the SAT. Good luck
Look at the median and 75th percentile scores for your targeted colleges, then compare what you got for the SAT. I agree with others you would at best have a low ROI regarding time and trouble.
My D actually did zero preparation for her second SAT - she took one sample test before the first to familiarize herself with the test and no more. Her Math score went up 60 points.
If it’s going to gnaw at you forever, and it’s worth the time you spend, if any, then go for it. I don’t think it’s worth a large investment, but with 2 teens through/in the college admissions process, I know that not every single minute of every single day is busy with EC/essays/etc. and some time is available.
(fwiw, poster didn’t assume a fact, but rather made a conditional clause ("if you are applying), based on no information in OP. I don’t think it should be an expectation to track down a poster’s other posting on CC before replying)
Nothing wrong with a 770. Nothing. The question would by WHY you would retake other than ego purposes.
Meanwhile, for a top holistic college, you may be missing what it really and fully takes to get an admit. It’s not just stats. In fact, if ego gets in the way, chances go down, anyway. Be savvy. Be wise to what they really want in admits.
A 1540 would put you below the median for EECS and MET and GMP for Berkeley, and CS for UCLA. Just sayin’…