Hello there!
So on my October SATs I got a 2290 (790 reading, 790 writing, 710 math). While I am very happy with my composite score I am a bit unsure about the math score, especially because I plan on pursuing engineering and I am hoping to attend a top notch school (Berkeley, UPenn, Stanford etc.) I took the November test yesterday, but was unsure about how I did. Do you think I should take it again in December if my math score doesn’t improve much, or is the 2290 good enough for an Ivy?
If you are pursuing engineering, I would retake just to get that math score up. For most other majors it wouldn’t matter, but getting a 710 in math AND hoping to get into the best engineering programs in the country is wishful thinking.
If you’re applying to engineering, definitely consider trying again to boost your math score. With most disciplines (and Colleges where you don’t have to specify a major) it wouldn’t hurt you, but it represents a liability if you’re trying to get into a top engineering school.
And to elaborate on what @HereToHelpYou stated, at the very least UPenn “recommend” (read: really want to see) two subject test for applicants, which for engineering applicants they “recommend” to be a math test and a science test. In which case, you should do the subject tests next examination.
I agree with @anxiousenior1 and @observeraffect - as an aspiring engineer, you will be judged on that M score, and it shouldn’t be too hard to bring it up to 750+. Unless there are significant opportunity (or $) costs, of course.
@Marvin100 - Just a note - the fact that OP needs subject tests for the schools he’s applying to (or they ‘recommend’ them) creates a large opportunity cost for OP with retaking math again. So they may want to do those instead, due to being out of time for applications (provided that they’re a senior, of course).
@observeraffect - yes, that’s a distinct possibility. I’m not going to attempt a cost-benefit analysis here (I think only the OP can do that reliably), though, which is why I only used opportunity cost as a qualifier to my opinion. Anything more would involve assumptions I’m unwilling to make.
Just to clarify all this, I’m only a junior, I just took the SATs now because I hate the new format. So, technically I do have time, but I’ve already taken it twice, and would prefer to keep my number of times taking the test low (as I’ve heard this is the best strategy for top schools). I’m planning on holding off on subject tests until the end of this year, when I’ll be done with AP Physics and Pre-Calc, and I can take those tests (Physics and Math II). Thanks for all your help @HereToHelpYou@marvin100@observeraffect