Worth Retaking the SAT?

H

Hopeful_99

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Joined
Oct 20, 2015
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13
I just got SAT scores back and saw a massive improvement... from:

1180 (560 620M)

to

1360 (630R 730M)

Im still debating retaking the test in January, I think my ceiling is 1400 but that is a stretch. Any thoughts?

I like to think I have very strong extracurriculars, 3.83 GPA, 4 AP classes senior year (Physics, Statistics, Calculus, Literature), maxed 3/6 CFA events and very close on others, top 25% of top class in a top 5 in-state public school - If that provides any extra insight on my situation.
 
Take it again.
WP super scores your ACT/SAT test results. In other words they record your highest score no matter how many times you take it. However, I have found, after taking the ACT/SAT test three or four times your scores peak. Then you need to look for outside help. There is a technique or method to take these tests. There are numerous resources that are free and pay for to help you out. First for advice from your high school mentors and teachers.

Push Hard, Press Forward
 
Thanks tug_boat appreciate the advice

This is my fourth time taking the SAT, and I have also taken the ACT and SAT Subject Tests; 6 standardized tests total. I will have a lot of time to prepare for the test if I do take it again...
 
Hopeful_99 said:
I just got SAT scores back and saw a massive improvement... from:

1180 (560 620M) to 1360 (630R 730M)
Click to expand...

Hopeful - Are these both the post-March 2016 tests (aka new SAT test) or are you mixing old and new test scores? How were your writing scores? Thanks.
 
Yes, the former scores were from the April school day test and the new score was from the November 3rd date.

My essay was dismal at best, 17/24 both times.
 
Hopeful_99 said:
Yes, the former scores were from the April school day test and the new score was from the November 3rd date.

My essay was dismal at best, 17/24 both times.
Click to expand...

I think a lot of people think the essay is just a "check that box" type of thing. My impression is that USMA looks at that subscore just as closely as math, English, etc. DS was asked by admissions if he was going to take the ACT again as his score of 8 (which is in the 86th percentile) on writing was borderline "at risk" for USMA.

I would take it again just for that reason. The writing score matters.
 
I agree with the others. Take the test as many times as you possibly can as it benefits your super score.

The only unusual exception to this rule would be if your Plan B school admissions department does NOT super score and perhaps only takes the "latest" sitting score. This could spell disaster if you are sick and do dismally on the test (unless you cancel it).
 
AROTC-dad said:
I agree with the others. Take the test as many times as you possibly can as it benefits your super score.

The only unusual exception to this rule would be if your Plan B school admissions department does NOT super score and perhaps only takes the "latest" sitting score. This could spell disaster if you are sick and do dismally on the test (unless you cancel it).
Click to expand...
I don't know of any college that only takes the most recent score (correct me if i'm wrong on this). Some do not allow score choice and want to see all tests, but they have no way of knowing if some tests have been omitted.
 
jebdad said:
I think a lot of people think the essay is just a "check that box" type of thing. My impression is that USMA looks at that subscore just as closely as math, English, etc. DS was asked by admissions if he was going to take the ACT again as his score of 8 (which is in the 86th percentile) on writing was borderline "at risk" for USMA.

I would take it again just for that reason. The writing score matters.
Click to expand...
The Writing score is not as important as Math and English scores. The important thing is to avoid being borderline and having the English Department make a determination. I don't know what the cutoff is with the change in tests, but under the old ACT test 8 and above kept it out of English Department hands. That said, you want as high of scores as possible in all areas, so retaking tests can only help. Only report the scores if there is improvement in at least one area.
 
jl123 said:
I don't know of any college that only takes the most recent score (correct me if i'm wrong on this). Some do not allow score choice and want to see all tests, but they have no way of knowing if some tests have been omitted.
Click to expand...

I stand corrected. It is NROTC Marine Option that examines the most recent score:

MARINE CORPS

General eligibility requirements for the program are as follows: (italics and bold are mine)

  • Be physically qualified by Marine Corps standards. Applicants will be required to complete a physical fitness test (PFT) consisting of a three-mile run for time, sit-ups, and dead-hang pull-ups for males/flexed armed-hang for females. Marine Corps Physical Fitness Program
    pdf.gif
  • Have no criminal record of military or civilian offenses..
  • Achieve a qualifying score on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT), or the American College Test (ACT). The SAT math and critical reading scores must be from the same and most recent test. Applicants cannot combine their best math and critical reading scores from the SAT to achieve the qualifying score for application. (Marine Corps Option only).
Source:
http://www.nrotc.navy.mil/scholarship_criteria.html

There are many schools that will take the best score but only from one exam sitting. (no superscore).
 
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