To show or not to show, the art of playing safe with SAT scores ?

<p>Hi everyone,</p>

<p>My SAT score is agreeable, although not very outstanding. So, I am re-taking my SAT in Jan. However, I fear the scenario that my Jan score will be lower than my present one, and i can not NOT send the results in after i have declared it (I know the best option is to study hard to prevent that from happening, BUT still...). My question is : can I just apply with my present score, without declaring to take the Jan SAT, and "update" the Jan results if the score improves? Am i allowed to do that with Harvard (they do accept Jan SAT), Stanford, Yale and Johns Hopkins?</p>

<p>I am thankful for two cents from anyone. ^^</p>

<p>Your scores will have to be nearly perfect to get into any of those schools, so just take the January SATs and let what ever happens happen. Make sure you’ve applied to some schools in your present SAT range that you love, so you’ll be happy no matter where you end up.</p>

<p>I disagree with the perfect scores remark, as even for Harvard</p>

<p>SAT Combined (Middle 50%): High 2345 Low 2060 Average 2203</p>

<p>2203 is the average.</p>

<p>And many colleges say that unless you declare them as a recipient before you take the test (i.e. on the day of the exam, list them), they will not consider january scores.</p>