<p>he received only 680 in math but scored higher in Writing and Reading (750 and 730 respectively) would it be necessary to retake the exam for a chance at the higher level schools such as NYU, CMU, Case Western, Boston University, Northwestern and Northeastern?</p>
<p>I think he needs to get that math score up but others have said that his overall is fine and it's good enough. This (senior) year he is just swamped with school work and it's his last. Next term will be much easier but then it's too late to retake it.</p>
<p>ps. he's sitting for the ACT on Monday (not sure how that'll go since he didn't take and prep course for it). He'll also be taking Math subject test -- NOT sure which one he should take for that as well.</p>
<p>Given that most schools superscore, he has nothing to lose by taking it again.</p>
<p>My son raised his math score from a 660 to a 700, with zero studying.</p>
<p>And his CR from a 730 to an 800.</p>
<p>Again, with zero studying.</p>
<p>Things are so competitive in college admissions that I would have him take it again.</p>
<p>However, that being said, his scores at present are probably already sufficient for most of the schools you mentioned that he is applying to, but the key word is “probably”.</p>
<p>I was in the same position as your son when I took the SAT, scoring well on CR (780) and W (800), but struggling with M (680); I retook after a bit of practice and got 770 on the M section (still mad about the curve that month). So in my experience retaking helps; however, I wouldn’t encourage your son not to study for it.</p>
<p>The key thing, for me, was familiarizing myself with the types of math problems that come up again and again on the test, and learning not to make silly mistakes. I recommend Barron’s math workbook because while it covers the same material as the actual test, the problems themselves are a little harder than on the SAT–so learning to solve them quickly and without error makes the SAT look easier and less intimidating in comparison.</p>
<p>he felt terrible about ACT and very worried. so no that won’t help. he’ll be taking three subject tests in beg of Oct. French, Math 1 and Lit.
that’s it for now - maybe SAT again in Nov? when offered again…</p>