I am applying to Yale early this fall and to many other top schools for regular decision. I got a 1570 on the new SAT which I am very happy with but it was offered by my school so I did not take the writing portion. Therefore, I am retaking the test in November to get the writing part. However, I have heard that it looks bad for schools like Yale for you to retake the test when you already have a good score. Apparently they view it as you scrambling for unnecessary points and obsessing over grades/scores. Would admissions officials at Yale understand or realize that the only reason I am retaking the New Sat is for the writing portion??
First, impressive work on your SATs! Since Yale probably requires SAT with writing, they should understand since they have so many applicants and test scores to look at. Just make sure you score similar or higher. I know this one kid who scored a 35 on his ACT and wanted a 36 so he took it 3 times despite people telling him not to and he got into Stanford (but he had impressive ecs). Also test scores are not everything, and make sure your ECs, essay, and gpa are superb. Good luck!
You’re required to take it with the essay, so I suppose you don’t really have much of a choice in this case. Even if you didn’t have to retake it, twice is hardly enough to raise concern. Congrats on a 1570 btw, that’s awesome 
I got a 36 on the ACT, but it was without writing, so I will be taking it again :). If a school requires the writing portion, we really have no choice but taking it again. I do feel weird doing that though!
pineapple, I am glad there is someone in that same situation. Hopefully we can almost replicate the good scores and the colleges understand why we took it again. Nice job on the ACT!!
@CacaoNut13 @yellowjeans @dogluvaaa Thank you for the congrats and reassurances! You are probably all correct in saying that they will likely understand why I am taking it again, or not care at all since it is only the second time. Thank you!