Would retaking in October be smart?

Test Preparation SAT Preparation
1

<p>Hey. I took the SATs in Jan., didn't like my score, and want to retake. I have a choice of retaking in May or October (when I will be a senior). Do you think taking it in October would be a good idea?</p>

<p>Pros: More time to study. I'm taking the ACT, two APs, three SAT IIs, and standardized testing (easy, but it might wear me out with the bubbles) around April-June.</p>

<p>Cons: I'm applying early to two schools (UChicago and Georgetown SFS) so I would have to send my SAT scores without reviewing them. (Unless I get something like a 33+, which is unlikely, on the ACT.)</p>

<p>If I do badly on one of my subject tests (taking World History, US History, and Math IIC) in June, I won't have another chance to take them. I can choose between the ACT and SAT, but I have to send in my subject tests.</p>

<p>Any insight would be appreciated, thank you! I know that looking from the list, there are more cons, but I'm unsure if I can handle basically seven hard tests in a period of about six weeks. However, if it's smarter to take the SAT in May, I will do it.</p>

<p>(By the way, I got in the low 1900s on my SAT, and I'm hoping to raise to around 2100. I am really confident. I understand what I did wrong on the SAT before - not skipping questions I didn't know, etc. and will definitely study more.)</p>

2

<p>If you're taking any AP courses in the SAT II tests like I am (I'm taking APUSH and I'll be taking the US History SAT II), try to take the SAT II's in May. You'll already be studying for the AP exams, and the material will be fresher in your mind. Or, if May is not an option, take them in June.</p>

<p>I'm re-taking the SAT in May primarily because I want to secure my math score once and for all before the fall, when the rush really begins. That way, if worst comes to worst and I must take the SAT once again, I'll take it in October and, hopefully, I'll have a better idea from the May test of what I need to work on the most.</p>

<p>It's up to you, but I like the idea of having October as a "buffer" in the event that I don't get the score I want on the May test. If money is no object and you have the time to do even some minor prep, you might as well go for it. The more practice under real test conditions the better, and who knows, you might get the scores you want and be done with it!</p>