should I retake the SAT?

Travis Davis

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May 21, 2015
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I will be looking to transfer from university to CG for class of 2020. Seeing as how I am a college student, will my SAT scores still be important?
I got a 1990 overall
Reading-730
Math-590
Writing 670

Should I retake the SAT just to focus on the math and bring that score up?

EDIT: I will have completed my sophomore year by the time I (hopefully) arrive at CG
 
If you were in any admissions office and you saw an SAT result cross your desk in which the applicant blew off everything but the math section, what kind of impression would you have of the applicant?
 
If you were in any admissions office and you saw an SAT result cross your desk in which the applicant blew off everything but the math section, what kind of impression would you have of the applicant?

Well what I am asking is would they see that or would they only see my new math score I choose to send along with my old good scores from high school? I do not see it as blowing off necessarily, it's more just the fact that a 730 on reading and 670 on writing are both quite good and as a more than full time college student with 2 jobs I think it would be very difficult to also work on improving all three of those scores. It would be more do-able for me to simply focus on improving the math section. Sorry if I was not clear the first time.
 
Basically the way I see it is if it looks bad if I study and retake it only to improve my math, I will not retake it. I simply do not have the time to focus on improving in all 3 sections as well as keep up my grades and work. Thoughts anyone?
 
Basically the way I see it is if it looks bad if I study and retake it only to improve my math, I will not retake it. I simply do not have the time to focus on improving in all 3 sections as well as keep up my grades and work. Thoughts anyone?
Guess you don't want to do everything you can do to attend the academy.
 
Well what I am asking is would they see that or would they only see my new math score I choose to send along with my old good scores from high school? I do not see it as blowing off necessarily, it's more just the fact that a 730 on reading and 670 on writing are both quite good and as a more than full time college student with 2 jobs I think it would be very difficult to also work on improving all three of those scores. It would be more do-able for me to simply focus on improving the math section. Sorry if I was not clear the first time.

The entire score is sent -- composite + each section. You can't choose to send only one section (ie math or reading) (at least for the ACT; I'm assuming it's the same with the SAT). Even if the SA superscores, sending a test report with an 800 on Math and a 0 on Reading would seem like a huge red flag to me.
 
Basically the way I see it is if it looks bad if I study and retake it only to improve my math, I will not retake it. I simply do not have the time to focus on improving in all 3 sections as well as keep up my grades and work. Thoughts anyone?
Guess you don't want to do everything you can do to attend the academy.

I think that's a bit of an unfair assessment. If retaking this really is crucial I will find a way I am just not sure how I will juggle 21 credits (and acing them all) as well as work and staying in physical condition. Maybe lots of coffee will be necessary, we will see. Thanks for all the responses everyone! Sorry if I came off as brash or lackadaisical about this, that was not my intent. Just trying to get a feel for what would be the best thing to do.
 
I saw it more as a statement of fact as opposed to an assessment. Your math is low. You need to improve it. This is not personal. Find a way.
 
Travis, I am confused. If you are not going to try and get your bachelor's degree, then why do you need to take 21 credits next semester?
 
<unsolicited advice>

1) Take one less class and get below an overload. There's no need to push it if you aren't trying to get your degree at the end of next year. Take the full load and do the best you can in those classes.

2) Take the SAT again, trying to improve your Math score. Take the CR and Writing sections and do the best you can on those, but don't stress about studying for them.

3) Plan ahead each week. Get or make a weekly planner, broken into half hour blocks. Schedule your class times, work times, sleep times, meal times, and personal times. What's left is available for homework, review, writing, etc. Be ready to change your plans as the week progresses. By the end of the week it should be covered in rewrites and completions. Repeat each week.

4) Contact your AO and find out who the admissions partner in your area is. Work with him/her on your application.

</advice>
 
I suggest also taking the ACT. You may do better on it.
 
I suggest to retake the tests only if your grades in college are not up to par. Having A's is Calc I, Calc 2, and Calc 3 will far out weigh any number a test can give. Remember that the SAT and ACT are test used to measure how you will succeed in college. If you can show that you can succeed there is no need to retake the tests
 
Travis, I am confused. If you are not going to try and get your bachelor's degree, then why do you need to take 21 credits next semester?
I had a fleeting (stupid thought) that it would look good to take a really strenuous load again in the fall and ace all of the classes and help my application but I have since come down to earth, just going to take 18 credits and study for the math SAT.
<unsolicited advice>

1) Take one less class and get below an overload. There's no need to push it if you aren't trying to get your degree at the end of next year. Take the full load and do the best you can in those classes.

2) Take the SAT again, trying to improve your Math score. Take the CR and Writing sections and do the best you can on those, but don't stress about studying for them.

3) Plan ahead each week. Get or make a weekly planner, broken into half hour blocks. Schedule your class times, work times, sleep times, meal times, and personal times. What's left is available for homework, review, writing, etc. Be ready to change your plans as the week progresses. By the end of the week it should be covered in rewrites and completions. Repeat each week.

4) Contact your AO and find out who the admissions partner in your area is. Work with him/her on your application.

</advice>
wow thanks a ton I actually found this really helpful. Ordering some SAT math prep books now!
I suggest also taking the ACT. You may do better on it.
Will consider it thanks!!
I suggest to retake the tests only if your grades in college are not up to par. Having A's is Calc I, Calc 2, and Calc 3 will far out weigh any number a test can give. Remember that the SAT and ACT are test used to measure how you will succeed in college. If you can show that you can succeed there is no need to retake the tests
I have a 3.99 GPA through two semesters of college but those are mostly history courses and a couple sciences, the last college math class I took was just pre calc, aced it but I don't know if that looks good to admissions or not since I know most applicants probably have taken calc
 
I suggest to retake the tests only if your grades in college are not up to par. Having A's is Calc I, Calc 2, and Calc 3 will far out weigh any number a test can give. Remember that the SAT and ACT are test used to measure how you will succeed in college. If you can show that you can succeed there is no need to retake the tests
If you have some special insight into the admissions process then I'll take what you say as accurate. If not I wouldn't trust it. The reason is that the SAT/ACT is the only information they have that normalizes their academic performance across the applicants throughout the country. Each college and professor will award grades differently... just like in high school, although hopefully there is less of that at the college level.
 
If you have some special insight into the admissions process then I'll take what you say as accurate. If not I wouldn't trust it. The reason is that the SAT/ACT is the only information they have that normalizes their academic performance across the applicants throughout the country. Each college and professor will award grades differently... just like in high school, although hopefully there is less of that at the college level.

I am a reapplicant from college and choose not to retake the SAT or ACT. I had similar test scores to the OP with a slightly higher math score. I was admitted to both USCGA and USNA with my highschool standarized test scores and my college transcript.

I understand that the the test scores put everyone on a semi equal playing field; however, upon the advice from admissions and other posters, the academies will put a lot more weight on actual performance at a university.

I am only offering my advice and sharing what I did as a reapplicant. Make sure to weigh all of your options. Maybe try to call the admissions office and see if they want you to retake or not.
 
SAT and ACT are used to "predict" your success in the freshman year in college (your "readiness" for college academics).

If you've already completed your freshman year, I'm not too sure how the academy uses the SAT score.

Or if they would use it at all.

Don't be so fast to rush out and take the SAT (or ACT) again, I would consult with an admissions officer before doing so, as their advice may be to NOT take it again.
 
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