Take Again?

Test Preparation
1

<p>I know this might sound silly to some, but I'm wondering whether or not to retake the SAT. I took it in March (technically the 15, snow makeup) and got a 2310. I know I should be--and am--happy with the score, but I think I could do better. Basically, I got 760CR/770M/780W. I'm pretty happy with my CR score, but not so much with the other two. I only got one wrong in math and lost 30 pts for it. Math's my best subject and I got an 80 on the PSAT in both 10th and 11th grade. As for writing, I didn't get any mc questions wrong, but got an 8 on the essay. I can definitely do better on the essay (I got 12s on most of my practice tests) but the essay topic was reallllly bad. I know these scores are good, but I'm wondering if it's worth it to try and do better. Do the 30 pts on math matter that much, or will colleges see that I only got 1 question wrong, recognize the bad curve, and place more emphasis on math SAT2s (I got a 780 on math 1 and am taking math 2 in may--800 on most practice tests)? For writing, even though my score is high, should I retake it in order to improve my essay score?</p>

<p>Just to let you know, I plan on applying to HYPSM and the like.</p>

2

<p>I wouldn't bother. The score is high enough to qualify. Try the ACT. Some people do better on that.</p>

3

<p>Please don't bother. I got into Harvard last year with a 2260, so you won't be rejected because your SAT score isn't high enough and it won't really make up for any other areas. Trust me on this; I do recruiting work and have spoken with admissions officers extensively.</p>

4

<p>Don't bother. it's high enough and good enough.</p>

5

<p>it's good</p>

<p>i wouldn't risk making it lower the second time around..
then it'll be like
***? you got dumber?!</p>

6

<p>I understand where you guys are coming from, and I want to agree with you, but I'm mostly worried about my 8 on the essay. Will they recognize from my English grades, AP English scores, and admissions essays that I am, in fact, more competent than my score says?</p>

7

<p>I don't really think most colleges worry as much about the writing score anyway. And if you got everything right on the MC part, it shows your writing is good. Colleges also know that the grading is subjective, you've got 25 minutes, and sometimes some prompts are harder than others.
Plus, your English grades, AP scores, and admissions essay will far, far, far outweigh any essay you wrote on the SAT.</p>

<p>Colleges know with scores that high, you're in the 800 zone. A kid with a 2400 could have easily gotten your score on a different test day and vice versa. All your scores are above 750, which means they're in the 800 range. You'll do fine. Don't worry!
If you don't get into a college, it won't be because of your scores.</p>