Should I retake the SAT?

Test Preparation
1

<p>I took the test for the first time in October and scored 2310 (790 math, 780 writing, 740 CR).</p>

<p>According to the detailed score report, the one mistake I made on the math section was on a question ranked as "easy" so I might have the potential of getting a perfect score. Does getting an 800 look significantly better to colleges than a 790?</p>

<p>On the writing, I got a perfect score on the multiple choice, but an 8/12 on the essay. This was a total shock to me, because I consider my writing skills to be my forte.</p>

<p>Is taking the test again worth the effort, money and time?</p>

2

<p>I think you are fine! Your scores are excellent for any school and there is no need to retake the SAT. Instead, I’d focus on ECs and subject tests :)</p>

3

<p>I would retake. 800 math looks much better than 790, especially if you are planning to apply to top tier engineering schools like MIT or Caltech. That being said, if you don’t get 800 in math and writing, your SAT is still great!</p>

<p>Can you consistently get perfect scores on the writing MC? If so, all the more reason to retake and hope one of the graders gives you a 5.</p>

4

<p>Nutmeg is mistaken. Don’t believe me? Read this blog from MIT: [What’s</a> the big deal about 40^2? | MIT Admissions](<a href=“http://mitadmissions.org/blogs/entry/whats_the_big_deal_about_402]What’s”>What’s the big deal about 40^2? | MIT Admissions). The post is a little old now, so you’ll have to pretend that all the talk about “1600” actually says “2400,” but the sentiment is still valid.</p>

<p>If you do retake the SAT, “Should I retake the SAT?” will become the second easy question that you’ve answered wrong.</p>

<p>Now get to work on making the rest of your application just as good! Good luck.</p>

5

<p>Your scores are already great; it’s really not necessary to retake. I also disagree with Nutmeg22; there really is no difference to colleges between a 790 and a 800, especially if it’s just the difference one question.</p>

6

<p>@Sikorsky: If you do retake the SAT, “Should I retake the SAT?” will become the second easy question that you’ve answered wrong.</p>

<p>Very nicely put. :)</p>

7

<p>Haha. No, i wouldn’t retake. That is fine. 790 is close enough. I’m guessing you’re a junior?</p>

8

<p>Your score is quite outstanding the way it is now, so there is no real need to retake the SAT. Perhaps you can also take the ACT? You should focus more on your applications now to make you really stand out among other students applying to the same schools.</p>

9

<p>Most people do improve the 2nd time they take the SAT. Do what you like, but if you think you deserve an 800 on math, I would go ahead and retake! I don’t want to sound like the pessimist here; your SAT is great and it’s fine if you don’t retake!</p>

10

<p>iieatcookies, if there’s no real point in retaking the SAT, what would be the point in taking the ACT? Either one would just be gilding the lily.</p>

<p>Sent from my DROIDX using CC</p>

11

<p>Would retake if you think you can significant improve your CR score (74) and are going for top colleges. M score is awesome and certainly would not re-take for that. Many colleges just look at M + CR and discount W (or at least give it much less weght). CR_+ M for you = 1530, whicj is outstanding, but not so outstanding that it will set you apart from the pack at places like MIT or HYPS.</p>

12

<p>But, Muckdogs, there is no SAT score that can set an applicant apart from the pack at HYPSM. All that can be accomplished is to have a standardized test score that keeps one with the pack. And the OP has already done that.</p>