Should I take another SAT?

Test Preparation
1

Hello! I am a junior and recently got my score back for my first SAT in January, and I received a 2270 (CR: 700 M: 770 W: 800). I’m happy with my score, but I can’t help but feel like I should try to score above 2300.

Aside from that though, I know that I could do much better on the new sat given my better score on the PSAT (1490). I just don’t want to waste time and $70 on a test if I don’t need to, because honestly, I’ve been constantly exhausted this whole year.

The colleges I am most seriously considering are UCLA (dream), UCI, and Barrett’s Honors at ASU. Is my SAT score competitive enough for these schools or should I try to get a higher one? I am only worried because UC schools are so selective about out of state students and I assume I’ll need more to stand out there.

In a similar vein, I am wondering if a higher sat score has any bearing on the NMSC. A family friend is currently in the running for national merit finalist, and she received a 2380 on her SAT. Is that what I should expect to get farther in the contest or do they really only use it for verification of score?

Thank you, and sorry for the really long rant!

2

Functionally speaking, a 2270 and a 2300 are the same. Schools categorize by 2100 and above. And no NMSC is based on PSATs.

3

The 75th percentile score at UCLA is 2160, so you’re way above that. Don’t take it again unless you are completely positive that you can increase your score, but even then, there is almost no difference between a 2300 and a 2270. If I were you, I would enjoy my $70 and Saturday morning off.

Your SAT score is really only used for score verification. If you got a high PSAT score but a low SAT score, the NMSC people might raise some eyebrows, but a 2270 isn’t at all bad. Don’t worry about it… if you got a good PSAT score, you should be fine. Congratulations on your score!

4

Wow, that was quicker than I thought it would be (to get replies). Thank you so much, both!! :slight_smile: @azwu331 @lostaccount