<p>I just took the SAT for the first time today. I am fairly consistent from practice test scores to real test scores (I scored consistent 33-35 on practice tests and got 34 two years ago). I was scoring roughly 2300-2400 on all of my practice tests with stellar essays. Please note that I know that I can achieve a score in this range on the next test.</p>
<p>With that in mind, I am used to writing 3 page essays in the 25 minutes, but noticed that the test only gave 2 pages, so I decided that I could take my time and make everything really really good. After I'm done with my first body paragraph, the proctor says 5 minutes left! I manage to finish another body paragraph and the conclusion, but I don't feel too good about it (I think 8-9).</p>
<p>On the rest of the test, I felt fairly confident (2300+ without the essay). My question is what should I do?:</p>
<p>1) Cancel my score (I know I will score better next time)</p>
<p>2) Just go with it</p>
<p>3) Focus on schools with score choice? (I'm looking at some top ones (think HYPSM), and I know S and Y don't take score choice)</p>
<p>Sorry for the long post and thanks in advance!!!!!!!!</p>
<p>Not sure why you’re worrying. Getting over a 2250 is enough for a HYPSM school; the SAT isn’t a make or break factor unless you’re out of range. Just go with it.</p>
<p>I agree - it’s a great score. Since it was your first time writing, you could take it again and keep practicing with more essay prompts. Otherwise, I’m sure you stand a fair chance with that score should you choose to move forward with it.</p>
<p>I guess 2250 is a good enough score for most schools, but its just bugs me to have this score when I know full well that I could have done better.</p>
<p>Do you think it would be better to cancel the score and then retake or keep the score and retake? (I’m afraid that colleges won’t like to see that I took the SAT twice)</p>
<p>Also, (I know this sounds rather naive) but does anyone know if college can see if you canceled any scores?</p>
<p>Taking it twice is no problem, but if I were you I would still cancel it. </p>
<p>If you had written a 10 essay, as you might have, and that would give you 2300, you’re most likely down to a 8-9 now. That cuts about 40-60 points off, which is potentially under a 2250. </p>
<p>Of course, if you’re sure you can score better the second time, leaving it is fine.</p>
<p>@Woandering Thanks for the advice! I think I will end up canceling my score just so I won’t feel the guilt of not performing my best… at least until the next SAT test. :)</p>