Taking the SAT 4 times?

Test Preparation
1

<p>I'm applying to some very selective schools that don't take score choice (i.e.: Yale, UPenn) and I'm really worried because by the time I apply. I will have taken the SAT 4 times. The first (october 2012) was a fluke because I thought I would be using the ACT (which I wound up getting a 33 on). The other two were after I switched back to focusing on the SAT, and I'm taking it again in october to increase my M and CR scores (710 and 720, respectively--800 writing/12 essay, 2230 superscore). I also want to submit my SAT 2s (750s on math level 2, chemistry, and us history). </p>

<p>So, would it look badly if I submitted the SAT because they would see the 4 attempts? Also, would it be an okay idea to explain why my score was so low for the first run? Thank you!</p>

2

<p>Step away from the College Board.</p>

3

<p>Most likely, Yale and UPenn will just look at your best scores anyway. I am pretty certain the reason they do ask for all of your SAT scores to be sent is so that they can superscore it themselves (I am no expert, so do not quote me on this). So I would not worry about sending all 4 SATs.</p>

4

<p>I don’t think you need a retake.</p>

5

<p>I don’t think anyone should ever retake a fourth time unless they have worked their butt off and all their practice tests are consistently showing a score significantly higher than their current superscore. Otherwise, chances are that you won’t go up by a large enough number of points for colleges to care.</p>

6

<p>Submit the ACT score and the SAT subject test scores. No reason to be a career test taker.</p>

7

<p>But her SAT superscore is actually slightly better than her ACT score when you convert it.</p>

8

<p>Sorry if I wrote “her” and you’re not a girl… My bad.</p>

9

<p>Slightly better is not substantially better- if you don’t want to come off as being a career tester, you won’t come across this way with the ACT- isn’t a 33 nearly equal to 2200- so it’s only a 30 point difference, which is negligible.</p>

10

<p>^That’s true. Plus, your superscore is what is higher, not an SAT score from one test date.</p>

11

<p>but also, here’s what i’m thinking. do colleges just not want people to take tests 4 times because they don’t want students to sacrifice ECs? because while i have these scores, i’m still VERY active in extracurriculars (founded an international nonprofit, very artistic–awards, exhibitions, etc, the whole deal). plus it’s not like i’m going from 2370 and looking for a 2400; i seriously just think i can do better.</p>

<p>@psychodad, my issue is that if i were to submit the SAT IIs to schools like Yale (which I want to do), I would have to also send my SAT I.</p>

12

<p>“my issue is that if i were to submit the SAT IIs to schools like Yale (which I want to do), I would have to also send my SAT I”</p>

<p>I believe college board has changed it. I believe you can send SAT IIs without sending the regular SAT now.</p>

13

<p>^ Yup you can send SAT IIs without sending SAT Is now. I just checked.</p>

14

<p>One of the things that the Yale admissions officers do on a tour is tell you the "don’t"s of applications, and they have word-for-word told horror stories about people who have taken the SATs 4 times. A 2230 is a great score; even if you jumped to a 2400, admissions would still question the fact that you took it 4 times.</p>

15

<p>thanks for the help guys, i’m gonna call yale tomorrow and tell them my situation and see what they say. i might just decide to use my ACT for yale and take the SAT to submit for harvard scea (where i really want to go anyway). thanks!</p>

16

<p>The SAT is not the most heavily weighted part of your application. A 2230 is a good score. You do not need to retake. if you do, it won’t matter too much, they will just look at your highest scores. Work on those essays. Best of luck.</p>