<p>I took the SAT this October and was really pleased with my score: 740 CR, 800 M, 760 Writing for a total of 2300. I also have a 35 ACT from a previous sitting. Anyways, I know that merit scholarships at many colleges (University of Chicago, Purdue, University of Michigan, University of Texas-Austin,) are often stats-based, and extremely competetive as well, so I was wondering if it really helps to improve my SAT score to 2350+ for a better chance at scholarships. I know that several top schools (Ivies, MIT, Caltech) say that after a certain point, they don't really care about scores, but I'm not sure about schools like the ones I listed above. Will it not make much of a difference retaking?</p>
<p>I could retake, as I haven't really prepared for the SAT when I took the October test, so I'm sure that I can improve my score with a little practice. But at the same time, I'm tired of taking standardized tests, and probably could be doing something I like better instead of studying. So should I retake? The biggest motivation for me is merit money, because that would help my parents out a lot (sister already in college, etc).</p>
<p>You know that statistically speaking your fantastic scores are more likely to go down than up don't you? You are right your scores are fine for admissions, the only place I know of where it might make a difference for merit money is Harvey Mudd which has at least one scholarship that requires 750+ scores. I'm no expert on scholarships however.</p>
<p>Don't retake. First, the chances are your scores will fall. Second, schools do not want to see a 2300 retaken. They won't care. If you had a 2100, which is still a very good score, and were looking for merit money I would perhaps suggest retaking it, but with a 2300 there is no need. Have you applied for the University of Michigan already? They strongly suggest all applicants looking for merit aid apply by November 1, or at least they did last year. The University of Chicago won't care about your SAT score. They look at the SATs but do not base major decisions on standardized test scores. I also know that for the U of C merit scholarships are chosen by a faculty committee, so they would be less concerned with your SATs and more concerned with other parts of your application.</p>
<p>Even for the schools that are more stats-based, a 2300 would almost certainly make the cut. Additionally, many schools do not consider or look at later SAT testing dates. For the rolling schools, they'll want to make their decision and move on, and it's in your best interest to apply early.</p>
<p>Only reason I would retake is if a scholarship required a specific bottom line SAT score. I remember seeing one at Harvey Mudd that required a 750 on EACH of the SAT M and SAT V!</p>
<p>What awesome scores! Why don't you call the colleges in question and ask. They my think you are a bit nutty if you retake with scores that high, so finding out if it will have any impact is probably a good idea.</p>
<p>If you are applying to Mudd...it's 750+ on SAT-I Math and SAT-II Math <em>Level 2</em>, plus 700+ on W and CR, plus top 10% of class.</p>
<p>Thanks for the correction, CountingDown.</p>