<p>I took the SAT in June for the first time and got a 2130. I hadn't studied, wasn't familiar with the test format, etc. so I was happy but I aimed to retake later.</p>
<p>I did some rather minimal studying, focused mostly on vocab and did 2-3 practice tests the week before, took the November SAT and got a 2290. Normally, I would have been happy with this, but I'm concerned because of my score breakdown:</p>
<p>730 CR (-6)
760 M (-1)
800 W (-0 MC, 11 essay)</p>
<p>I'm aiming for the top in terms of college admissions, and I know a lot of colleges don't care much about writing, so I have a 1490 CR+M. I feel like I should really be aiming for higher, at least 1530 or so. Plus, with such a harsh math curve, I feel like on any other test I would have done better, like 780+... Should I retake, or am I just overthinking this? ;)</p>
<p>Personally, I think you're overthinking it. If your scores are well into the average scores for the schools you want to apply to, then the rest of your app will matter more. Especially your essays.</p>
<p>yeah, I think you're overthinking it too. First off, most top colleges (i.e. ivies, duke, chicago, etc...) DO give a little weight to writing, so your 800 wont go unnoticed. My nov sat score was a 2170 with CR 740 M 740 and W 690, and after a talk with my guidance counselor we decided that there was no need to retake, a 1480 (and a 2170, for that matter) is quite average (above average for the 1600 score) for the schools I'm looking at. </p>
<p>Really, don't retake, most people do worse the second time they take it, and in your case it will be even harder to do better.</p>
<p>No I wouldn't recommend it. The rest of your app. will matter more (after-school activities, etc.)</p>