<p>I took the march sat, got 2310 (CR740, M770, W800).
I know that this is a good score, and most of you will say I shouldn't retake.
However, I am considering applying to math/science schools like MIT, Caltech, etc and I am worried about my 770 math. Also, I looked at the score ranges and a 770 math is only 25% at caltech. A 2310 is 75%. (Caltech</a> Profile - California Institute of Technology - Find SAT Scores and Admissions Data in this Caltech Profile)
I got a 800 on the math sat2, and I know that I can get a 800 on the sat1 math. My only concern is that my score will drop. On most of my practice tests (from the collegeboard book I got less than 2300). What do you suggest?</p>
<p>you have all the information, and you know yourself. Is the risk worth the reward? Weigh the options… at this point it seems that you would know more than us (statistics, chance of scoring higher, etc).</p>
<p>We can only say that scoring higher will improve your chances, and scoring lower will not, or possibly lower your chances.</p>
<p>take a course and retake? i did and it greatly improved- they have tips for getting the extra few qs right. Anyway the normal is two tries so i dont think it will look bad- anyway most schools look at the best combined score so it can only help.</p>
<p>Ralec, thanks for the advice. how much do you think those 30 points will improve my chances?</p>
<p>eighteen, thanks for the suggestion, but I don’t think I need to take a course to improve my math score. on the practice tests, i most often got 800.</p>
<p>matlas,</p>
<p>If that was your first time, definitely go ahead and do it.</p>
<p>cornetking, yes, it was my first time. how badly will it hurt me if i get a lower score though?</p>
<p>There is always score choice, so not at all. I shouldn’t be talking though, as I scored lower than you on the January test. However, I’ve done enough research. :P</p>
<p>how much do you think those 30 points will improve my chances?</p>
<p>^Ask mifune, silverturtle, that crowd, they were in a huge debate/research thing about this question. All I got from it was that it would help, and not minimally. </p>
<p>If I were you, I would do it if I were confident in getting a higher score.</p>
<p>Since you’re applying to Caltech I would say yes.</p>
<p>My two cents…</p>
<p>I took the SAT in March 2009, when I was a junior. I planned to make that one a dry run (take the test without studying and find my weaknesses), and then retake in June, and then retake in October or something if necessary. I assume a lot of people have this plan.</p>
<p>I expected a really terrible score, but I ended up getting a 2270 overall and a perfect on my essay, so I decided there was no point in retaking it. I assumed I could do better (maybe 2300 or a little higher), but would probably never get perfect due to my stupidity at math. So… I only took it once. After getting waitlisted and rejected at a bunch of schools, I’ve repeatedly wondered if my score (which could have been considered low) held me back…</p>
<p>So I would advise you not to take chances.</p>