<p>So I first took the SAT in Jan, and much to my dismay got 650 M, 650 W (67/8), 770 CR (2080)..
since then, I took a PR course and in May, my scores went up to 710 M, 800 W (79/10), 780 CR (2290). I was more than overjoyed by the jump (although slightly peeved that I was so close to 2300!) regardless, I've started worrying that even though my overall score is good, I will be nitpicked on the 710 in math. For me, that's really good, because I'm not a math person and it's a tough section for me. My extracurriculars back this up because all my major clubs and awards are english/writing/language-based rather than math. I'd rather spend my summer doing my passion (Latin/Greek) and getting in shape than studying for this damn test again. Should I retake? Is it worth it? I'm looking at ivy leagues and top 20's for college and I am also a URM (hispanic).</p>
<p>you should be fine</p>
<p>I would retake in October if you think you can do better. I retook my March SAT (710 CR) and I’m pretty sure I increased my score.</p>
<p>Since it’s only math, just do a good amount of math practice. You don’t have to go crazy and devote your whole summer to practicing for the SAT, but just do a couple hours a week. With a month or so left, do several practice tests.</p>
<p>But with such high scores, a lot of it is luck. If you’re at that level, you have the ability to get a 2400. Probably its most important to be ready on test day for whatever comes your way. With math, the curve is a killer and a few questions can decrease your score a lot. However, this means that a few more questions right could bring you up to a 770, 790, or 800.</p>
<p>Best of luck!</p>
<p>Thanks! But what if I drop in the other two sections? Like 760-ish range? I really hate the SAT essay… and I’m applying early to some schools and may not know my scores in time if I take it in october</p>
<p>it doesn’t matter if you drop in the other two sections to like 760-range because of the superscore. A small drop like that doesn’t make any difference, and the large increase in math could help you tremendously. Just make sure you get at least into the 700s in the other sections.</p>
<p>The whole idea is that if you are applying to schools that allow you to superscore your test results (i.e. Princeton), then it might be a good idea to retake. If your scores are in the middle 50%, then don’t worry about it-- because if you’re in the middle 50%, it doesn’t matter if you’re at the lower end or the higher end-- you still have achieved the score you need to be accepted. Taking it a third time might also look either good or bad-- either that you work really hard and are dedicated, or that you blew it off the first time. If you think you can jump to an 800 in Math, then I say go for it-- but, out of personal experience, I know that you can know how to do ALL the questions, and still get in the low 700s because of careless mistakes, so personally, I wouldn’t.</p>