Would it be bad to retake (SAT Physics)?

Test Preparation SAT Subject Test Preparation
1

I scored a 720 on SAT Physics in june and i just recieved a 770 from the October testing date. In June, I hadn’t studied and I had some bad stomach problems in October. I am confident that if i retake and nothing goes wrong, I will get an 800. I know that 770 is a very good score, but physics is my best subject and I am applying to top schools such as MIT and Caltech. Also, it is only 81st percentile. I also acknowledge that many schools participate in score choice, so many will not see that i took it 3 times. But is the 800 worth the schools such as Cornell, in which i must show them that I took it 3 times? Overall, is it bad to take an SAT II 3 times for the schools that will see?

(P.S Please do not put any “are you kidding me? you’re crazy.” I would like genuine responses.)

Thanks for your consideration!

2

Yes.

The difference between a 770 and an 800 is statistically insignificant IMO. Even if you were to retake and get an 800, this could hurt you, as some of these colleges that evaluate holistically, like Cornell, may wonder if there is more to you than a test taking drone who has nothing better to do on a Saturday.

Move on. Do not retake. Spend the time finetuning your essays, which will help you more than a 20-30 point bump on a subject test.

3

@skieurope thanks for the response!