Should I Retake the SAT I?

Test Preparation SAT Preparation
1

<p>I'm having trouble making a decision at the moment, and I'm looking for a little input. </p>

<p>At the December 3rd, 2011 sitting of the SAT I, I scored a 2260 (780 CR, 750 Math, 730 Writing with a 10 essay; I must have really goofed the MC up, eh?). This is a little below what I'd expected, though I didn't really prepare much for the test and went into it a little tired and unfocused. </p>

<p>I'm currently a junior, so I've got plenty of time to retest, but I do have subject tests to take, as well (Math II, to improve a 730, and one or both of Literature and Biology; these aren't my concern at the moment).</p>

<p>The choice I've got to make is whether I want to retake the SAT and try to improve math and Writing (which was my highest score on the PSAT, an 80, for what that's worth) or give the ACT a shot, aiming for a 34 or higher. I'd like to be done with tests by the end of this school year, excepting AP tests, so I can, you know, have a life, and stuff. </p>

<p>My current "top five" with regard to colleges with which I'd like to become more familiar is:
1. University of Chicago
2. Rice University
3. Pomona College/Claremont McKenna College
4. Bowdoin College
5. Washington University in St. Louis
My safety is the University of Iowa, and I'm thinking I'll probably apply early action to the University of North Carolina--Chapel Hill and Northeastern University, but those are sort of up in the air, as I don't know whether they're really safeties (probably not) but I don't know that I'll be able to visit either of them; I live in Iowa, and that's a fairly far-flung list of schools as it is. </p>

<p>If you've made it this far in the post, thank you, and I promise, I'm almost finished! The three main courses of action I'm considering are:
1. Prep more thoroughly and take the SAT I again. Date: March 10th.
2. Take the ACT with a good amount of prep, as I won't be familiar with the test whatsoever. Date: February 11 (April is far too busy for me, because of the spring musical at our school)
3. Take the SAT subject tests mentioned above, and settle for the 2260. Subject test date: May 5th; June 2nd isn't an option.
I guess the crux of my question is this: Is a 2260 good enough for these schools (I'm aware of its position in or above the middle 50%, don't worry), and if not, should I try to outdo myself, or try something new and shoot for a 34 or 35 (or 36...LOL!) on the ACT?</p>

<p>I really appreciate the work of those who've read through to the end!</p>

2

<p>I say focus just on the sat(forget the ACT, there is absolutely no need to take it if you are comfortable with the SAT, don’t waste your time), and try again when you are ready for a 2300-2350+!! You seem like you are confident that you can do it, so go turn that excellent score into an AMAZING score.</p>

3

<p>If you think you can score around the same or better if you retake it again, then yeah I’d say you should retake it. Like drac313 said, if you have a really good SAT score, the ACT won’t really be a big concern.</p>

4

<p>Thanks to both of you for responding!</p>

5

<p>So, anybody else?</p>

6

<p>2260 is impressive but there are those out there with 2360 on their records as well. I say take the SAT again try to score 800 in the easiest section i.e. Maths. Your super-score will go up for sure. And if you work hard enough a few months more(and Not have a life), you can even aim for a perfect score. No kidding.</p>

7

<p>and you can aim for full in writing as well. I say you’ve already conquered CR.</p>