Hi! Need advice. I scored 1550 in my first SAT. I am looking at top schools. Is it good enough? The big question is - should I give it another shot? It’s hard to say whether I will score higher after the score I got. Maybe I will, maybe I won’t. Would love to hear what others think!
Should I retake SAT? Scored 1550
For 99.99% of colleges, you’re done. The only exception would be if you scored 750 in math and plan on applying to MIT. Otherwise, spend the time on other aspects. Congratulations.
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No. The difference between 1550 and anything higher won’t make a difference with the application process.
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No.
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No.
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Thank you! It’s good to hear what others think. I was aiming for an 800 in Math but got a 790 with a 760 in EBRW. And yes, I am keen to apply to MIT 
In which case, absolutely do not retake. A 790 will not be the reason any college rejects you - even MIT. Great job.
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Also, I should have mentioned that I am preparing to take the PSAT NSMQT this fall…
Yeah, that would have been helpful to mention.
Depending on when you took the SAT, your score date may be within the window to confirm your performance.
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As long as you have a 1500+ on the SAT you’re good to go for most top colleges - CMU and MIT will want to see a 750+ on math. Regardless, you really are good to go since you’ve presumptively met the “minimums” for top colleges. Good job + good luck on college apps!
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Keep your skills up. You want to make National Merit. If you’re in 10th grade, I think that SAT score would be find - you should be able to use them for college. Absolutely NO need to retake them. The difference between a 1600 and your scores is virtually nothing. Work on the other components of your application, like grades and ECs.
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In your opinion, is there any school where you should retake SAT if English is below 750 and composite is 1530?
Son’s goal was a minium 1540, scored 1530 (790 M, 740E) as sophomore. Current thinking is one and done, spend time on other things. Just wanted to make sure we aren’t missing anything?
He may re-take anyway if twin scores higher, but that’s a whole different story/battle.
No. And I’d prefer not to detract from the OP’s post with “what abouts” on other students.
Thank you everyone for replying and sharing your thoughts. It’s been very helpful!
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When did you take it? CMU says they want scores from Junior year or later and will discount scores taken earlier. I don’t know if any other schools say this (and I’m not sure whether it’s true).
For NMC confirmation, it needs to be August Sophomore year or later.
(For both of these reasons, my D22 re-took her 1560 from 8th grade as a Junior, so we’re experienced with your situation.)