SAT retesting

36falcon36

5-Year Member
Joined
Sep 17, 2017
Messages
46
Hello everyone,
I recently just got back my scores from the June SAT. I scored decently and this was my highest score so far with 680 reading and 700 Math, so 1380 total. It was my third time taking the SAT (And I have also taken the ACT once)
My question is, is it worth it to retake the SAT? My scores aren’t necessarily bad, but I am confident that with some extra studying and prepping I could bump my score up, hopefully at least into the 1400s. Some people have told me that over-testing can hurt your application if you’re not really improving much, however. Is there such thing as taking the SAT “too many times” or should I try for it again? Another idea would be to study and retake it, and wait and see if the scores are even worth sending. Is this a good idea or no? I am applying to USAFA and USNA, in case anybody is wondering. Any advice is much appreciated, thanks in advance!
 
Taking the SAT a fourth time, if it will get you into the 1400s, would be a wise move. It is not unheard of for top-notch college applicants to take the SAT/ACT three or four times, if not more. The fact that you’re improving with each subsequent sitting speaks for itself. USNA and USAFA are very difficult to get into, so don’t leave points on the table out of fear of some urban myth (i.e. taking the SAT/ACT too many times can hurt you.)
 
At the local elitist prep school, the kids start taking "practice SATs" in the 7th grade. Yes, you read that right. My DD's dear friend, a scholarship student there, was taking old SATs, timed, the whole nine yards, when she was just 13. By the time those kids reached high school junior status, they had taken the SAT or ACT probably 8 or 9 times. Of course, none of these was "official," but the school offered remedial classes for "upcoming standardized tests" to all students during the summers and Saturdays, starting in the 9th grade. Gaming the system? Oh yeah.

So, to your question: take a practice test or two (or 12). See where your weaknesses lie. Then fix the weaknesses. Math a problem: find a tutor (ASAP). Vocabulary got you down? Drill drill drill. Then, retake.
 
Khan Academy has free SAT prep materials. I never reviewed them but they might be worth a look see.
My DS used Khan Academy and went from 1350 to 1540 in 4 months....during the late winter-spring. He did it all on his own, he told me he did 4-5 hours per weekend as he was captain of a Spring sport as well as carrying 4 AP classes. He told me he ran out of their English SAT questions. Did we mention FREE!! My DD who is currently class of 2019 at USNA took the SAT 6 times to get primarily her math up from mid 500's to 700 flat. She utilized old fashioned fat SAT textbooks and also did it on her own.
 
At the local elitist prep school, the kids start taking "practice SATs" in the 7th grade. Yes, you read that right. My DD's dear friend, a scholarship student there, was taking old SATs, timed, the whole nine yards, when she was just 13. By the time those kids reached high school junior status, they had taken the SAT or ACT probably 8 or 9 times. Of course, none of these was "official," but the school offered remedial classes for "upcoming standardized tests" to all students during the summers and Saturdays, starting in the 9th grade. Gaming the system? Oh yeah.

In 8th grade son was selected for a program through Northwestern University. Part of the program was Northwestern paying for him to take the ACT (the official test, not an old one) twice a year from 8th grade on with weekend tutoring provided. He took it 7 times and his scores started at 24 in 8th grade and by Junior year he had a 35 composite. Northwestern also offered a full scholarship to those who excelled in the program. When he applied to USAFA, the admissions department saw someone with a 35 composite and he was given an LOA in September. That is not gaming the system, that is working hard, being aware of opportunities, and using them when they are presented.

Stealth_81
 
Stealth, I meant no disrespect to your son - a 35 is GREAT!!!!

But, for the kids who don't have that opportunity to take these practice tests under identical conditions, it's much more difficult. For my kids, it was a one-and-done - if they didn't do well (with little or no prep), well, find another way. As homeschoolers, their exposure to standardized testing was very minimal. I did spend some time teaching them how to fill in those tiny circles, and we did practice timed testing a few times at the dining room table.
 
My question is, is it worth it to retake the SAT? My scores aren’t necessarily bad, but I am confident that with some extra studying and prepping I could bump my score up, hopefully at least into the 1400s. Some people have told me that over-testing can hurt your application if you’re not really improving much, however. Is there such thing as taking the SAT “too many times” or should I try for it again?

If a service academy is your top choice, it might be worth your while to retake the SAT. If a civilian college is your top choice, there is such a thing as admissions officers frowning upon taking tests too many times.

As you've probably read on other threads in this forum, your test scores are but one thing that will be considered in the holistic review. How are your leadership activities? Sports? If those things are lacking, it might behoove you to focus on those areas. Lots of threads on this topic.
 
@Stealth_81 Is this program open for everyone ? A quick Google did not produce any info on this program.

I believe that the program is called Midwest Talent Search or something similar. My son graduated HS in 2007 so there’s no guarantee it’s still around. I’m traveling right now so I don’t have access to the paperwork on it at home.

Stealth_81
 
@Stealth_81 Is this program open for everyone ? A quick Google did not produce any info on this program.

I believe that the program is called Midwest Talent Search or something similar. My son graduated HS in 2007 so there’s no guarantee it’s still around. I’m traveling right now so I don’t have access to the paperwork on it at home.

Stealth_81
Thank you. I will Google this program. DS is already participating in the Duke and Johns Hopkins programs.
 
My opinion would be if you got the time and money, keep taking them. Pretty sure they take your highest score.
 
Stealth, I meant no disrespect to your son - a 35 is GREAT!!!!

For my kids, it was a one-and-done - if they didn't do well (with little or no prep), well, find another way. As homeschoolers, their exposure to standardized testing was very minimal. I did spend some time teaching them how to fill in those tiny circles, and we did practice timed testing a few times at the dining room table.

Why could they not retake and prepare with test prep books or online websites?
 
In 8th grade son was selected for a program through Northwestern University. Part of the program was Northwestern paying for him to take the ACT (the official test, not an old one) twice a year from 8th grade on with weekend tutoring provided. He took it 7 times and his scores started at 24 in 8th grade and by Junior year he had a 35 composite. Northwestern also offered a full scholarship to those who excelled in the program. When he applied to USAFA, the admissions department saw someone with a 35 composite and he was given an LOA in September. That is not gaming the system, that is working hard, being aware of opportunities, and using them when they are presented.

Stealth_81

I love it! What school did your son graduate from? Is he still in the Air Force?
 
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Thank you. I will Google this program. DS is already participating in the Duke and Johns Hopkins programs.

Tex2021

I believe they are all the same kind! I know about these programs and we considered it too in 7-8th grades but chose against it because we felt that it was a money trap to attract brilliant students with high potentials. But did not promise nor can guarantee admissions to their schools in the end. So we chose to attend specific programs right for our DS at Harvard and Yale. I don’t think any of these college programs guarantee anything. We look at them as enriching programs if you have the resources to send your children. Not necessary to succeed. Our children can find their ways one way or the other.
 
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I love it! What school did your son graduate from? Is he still in the Air Force?

He went to USAFA. Yes, he is still in the Air Force as an F-16 pilot. There was no cost to us for the Northwestern program. Northwestern recruited him heavily.

Stealth_81
 
Stealth_81. That’s outstanding! I’m proud of your son. I know what he had to sacrifice to achieve what he has achieved. Also sure he enjoyed his journey. Great job mom and dad! Dividend is paying off with a strong career as a Pilot! I enjoyed visiting the Air Force campus. During the visit, I saw my high school alumnus at the Hall of Fame. Colonel Karol Bobko, USAFA first graduating class and the Academy’s first Astronaut. It was an honor and a proud moment. Academy has a great golf course too. After the Summer Seminar, I took my DS to play 18 hole. It was an awesome father and son moment! We really enjoyed it. He’s currently a Plebe at Annapolis. We don’t know if he will go Aviation or SWO.
 
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