<p>I recently just took the SAT and got 800 CR, 680 W, and 630 M. I was completely surprised that I got an 800 on CR and figured that I could retake the test and just focus on the Math section so I could up my score. But now I am reading online that it is bad to take the test 4 times because colleges see it as unfair. I have take the SAT 3 times. I took the SAT "for fun" in Sophomore year to see what I could get and gauge my abilities (560 CR 520 W 560 M) and sort of did the same this year in January when I took it for the first time as a Junior (640 CR 630 W 570 M). The most recent test was the one where I actually did some preparation and studying for the test.</p>
<p>I am satisfied with my scores except for Math, since it doesn't quite meet the standards of some of the schools I am interested in (Pomona, Berkeley, Brown). Besides my test scores, I have strong extracurriculars and a high GPA with challenging classes. I am scared that having a low Math score will hurt my chances of admission, but I am also scared that if I take the SAT for a fourth time it will also hurt my chances.</p>
<p>What do you guys think? I am thinking about maybe just leaving my SAT scores as they are and focusing on the ACT (I haven't taken it yet) to show more strength in math. I am also thinking about maybe taking a subject test, either Math I or II, to make up for my low Math subscore (I am already planning on taking Literature and US History). Also I am considering waiting until Fall, as a Senior, to take another jab at it. Help is much appreciated :)</p>
<p>Also, could someone explain the whole process of submitting scores to colleges? I have heard so many different processes including that you send all your scores, just your best subscores, and just your best sitting. What is superscore and score choice?</p>
<p>Okay, I’m gonna try to answer all of your questions:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Don’t retake. This is probably going to sound harsh, but I kind of doubt you’ll get an 800 again on CR, and I don’t know how much your other scores are going to improve. Taking the SAT “for fun” was a pretty bad choice, because a) it costs money and b) it’s hurting you now, when you start actually trying.
Now, you could retake the SAT a fourth time, but only if you’re going to take it EXTREMELY seriously. By that, I mean study regularly and make sure that your scores are not only going to get better, but are going to go up by at least 100 points (for composite). People are generally right when they say that taking the test too many times looks bad, not only because it is unfair but because it’s just unhealthy and obsessive. Also, if you’re going to retake, don’t do it until this fall, when most seniors take the test - that way it’ll seem less unfair, since many students retake the SAT as first semester seniors. Plus, you’ll need that much time to seriously study.
I want to reiterate, though, that I DO NOT recommend doing this unless you’re positive going to get a 100 point gain at least, because your CR score will almost definitely go down.</p></li>
<li><p>In response to the ACT/Subject Test alternatives, there’s no need for you to take the ACT if you’ve already taken the SAT. I would take Math I to help make up for your math scores, or Math II if you are reasonably confident you’ll score around or above a 700. Another way would be to take a math AP test, like Calc AB or BC, but I don’t know whether your school offers those or not.</p></li>
<li><p>You’re going to have to have stellar grades and amazing ECs to get into the schools you listed. I hope you have some more realistic schools too, because even if you take the approach I outlined above, you’ll have substantially below average scores at a place like Brown. Not trying to be too critical, but those are reach schools for almost anyone and high reaches for you with scores like these.</p></li>
<li><p>To submit scores, you have the college board send a score report (there’s a link at sat.collegeboard.org). You don’t send them yourself - colleges get all of the detailed information from the college board report. Depending on the school, admissions counselors may superscore. That means that they take your highest score from each section, combine them and use that as the SAT score they consider. NOT ALL COLLEGES DO THIS, so don’t count on it. Even schools that do superscore will see all of your scores from all of your test sittings, so they’ll know what your overall score distribution looked like.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>I would take it a fourth time, but PRACTICE first. That math score is far below the 25th percentile for the schools you have listed. (Actually, I don’t know UCB’s figures, but at least for the other two.) Do NOT take the test again until you are reasonably sure you can achieve a math score 100 points higher than your current score. </p>
<p>Work through any real math test you can find: CB blue book, CB on-line course, the free practice test on the CB site. Take tests under timed conditions. </p>
<p>For W, was your essay score the issue or the MC? Both should be easy to improve, so just run through practice questions and essay prompts.</p>
<p>If you truly cannot improve the math score, take a look at the ACT but it seems as though a solid SAT score is within your reach whereas prepping for the ACT may require more time since you will be starting with a new exam format.</p>
<p>While a high 700s Math subject test score will strengthen your app, the 630 Math SAT I score will just knock you out of contention. </p>
<p>Re: sending scores. Some schools require that all scores be sent. For schools that do not require all scores, you do not need to send those first two SAT sittings. Assuming your M & W scores improve with your 4th sitting, you would just sent the 3rd & 4th sittings. Schools will see all three subscores from those 3rd & 4th sittings, but they will not see the scores from the first two—unless the college requires that all scores be submitted.</p>
<p>This reporting of all three subscores of the SAT I differs from the reporting of subject test scores. You can report the score you like and suppress others from the same sitting, as long as a college does not require all scores be submitted.</p>
<p>Most colleges superstore the SAT, so a lower CR score is of no significance. A higher M score is critical for the unhooked at these colleges. Sub-700 just doesn’t cut it.</p>
<p>The UC do not accept Math 1, btw.</p>
<p>“unfair” – huh? (no college cares. think about it: it is in THEIR interest for their applicants to have higher scores)</p>
<p>ACT could be a possibility, but just don’t take it on a whim. Prep hard, under timed conditions, since the ACT is more of a time test.</p>
<p>Thanks for your advice chloe, CT, and bluebayou!</p>
<p>I definitely won’t take it until the fall, if I do, and that will be after some intensive studying on math on the essay. And don’t worry, those schools are definitely reaches on my list. I’m also looking at UNC (in-state), Oxy, Reed, GW, and Tulane, all of which I’m in-range for (albeit, on the lower side of the scale). I’m going on college tours this spring break and plan on asking the admissions counselors about these issues. On Writing, my MC was 70 and essay was an 8, so I guess both could use a little polishing. Thanks for clearing up things about sending scores.</p>
<p>Again, thanks guys! I found all of your advice really helpful. :)</p>