I’m looking at selective schools like ucla, Berkeley, northwestern etc. (Ivies don’t seem to be in my stratosphere lol). I’m wondering if I should retake or not. I got 680 math, 730 CR, and 800 writing in October (2210 composite) and 730 math, 800 CR, 710 writing in November (2240 composite). My superscore is 2330 (730 math). I think I could reach 2300 single sitting in January but I don’t want to appear score-obsessed to colleges. What do you guys think?
@ambitionsquared I think you’re fine…Just wondering, why don’t you think Ivies are in your stratosphere? They primarily look at superscores, and you have a really good one with a 2330
Your November score alone is good enough for any school. Your super score is very, very good. No need to do it again.
Unless you have a subpar GPA, no ECs, or a disciplinary record, I don’t see why you believe Ivies are out of your league. Your superscore is well within range for every Ivy, and by score alone the schools you’re looking at are safeties and matches–it wouldn’t hurt to throw in a few reaches! Good luck, and congrats on the great score.
@chyaboi123 @rougesneakers I appreciate your guys optimism, but it doesn’t really seem possible. My gpa is solid (straight As for last 4 semesters) but I don’t really have any significant extra curriculars. I’ve got the typical varsity sport, founded a club yada yada, but nothing that would really distinguish me from the next highly qualified applicant. My scores would get my application a look, but I don’t think there’s anything inside the application that would get me admitted. Are any of the Ivies notorious for caring primarily about test scores?
If your scores are in the typical range of their admits, they do not care very much. If your scores are below the typical range of their admits, they care a lot.
I.e. low test scores will get you rejected, but high test scores by themselves will not get you admitted.
It is realistic to see that if you do not have something unusually impressive beyond top end high school record and test scores (e.g. high level extracurricular achievement, relation to a huge donor, lots of advanced college courses with all A grades, top end academic achievement despite coming from a very disadvantaged background, or something of that nature), your chances at a super selective college are probably below even the overall small percentages published as admit rates.
No need to take it again. As ucbalumnus has said, schools want you to be in at least their middle 50% of applicants. Focus on the many other important aspects of your application, like ECs, grades, volunteering, and working if that’s something you want to pursue.
@ambitionsquared Just checked out your “chance me” thread and I think you ave a good chance for maybe even a couple Ivies. Don’t sell yourself short bud
@chyaboi123 Wow man that’s really kind of you to say and I appreciate your optimism.
@whitespace Alright, I’ll make sure to put effort into all the other aspects you mentioned. Thanks for responding!
I think @whitespace forgot to mention essays. Great essays could give you a decent shot at several Ivy’s.
Yes! Thanks @CHD2013 I completely forgot. Essays are very important as well.
Don’t take it again. Your scores are fine and presumably, you’ve got better things to do with your time. The ivies are a crap shoot for everyone, but your stats make you competitive. As for extracurriculars, you’re better off with a consistent track record showing passion and leadership rather than a glut of meaningless activities. Just write good essays and get good recommendations.
Looking at your other posts, your extras are pretty good. Even if they weren’t, a better test score would not improve your package. Adding dabs of paint to the Mona Lisa does not make the portrait noticeably better.
[MIT](What’s the big deal about 40^2? | MIT Admissions)
So, yeah go have a picnic this Saturday, celebrate 2016, take a bike ride, watch Alabama State beating Michigan State. Don’t overthink things and know everything will be okay.
@WasatchWriter But I don’t have a Mona Lisa to begin with lol. If a better test score won’t improve my package, what could I do to develop a better package?
Your November score is very good and your superscore is great. Just check if the schools on your list do superscore. In any case, your SAT score would not be the reason for rejection. Your should put your focus on something else like SAT2 (if required).
13. It's the University of Alabama, not Alabama State, that beat MSU last night :)
You are done with standardized testing. Go plan to watch the Clemson- Bama game 
You are fine with those scores at any school including the Ivys. Good luck.
Wow guys, I really appreciate all the responses. It doesn’t seem like I should bother retaking. Guess I’ll focus on subject tests and extracurriculars. Happy New Years!