SAT score of 2220. Is it reasonable to retake?

Question

My dad is pressuring me to retake the SAT because he wants me to get above 2300. Will a 100 point improvement benefit me significantly? Is it worth it?

He tells me that getting above 2300 will give me a lot more scholarship opportunities. I am also considering applying for one of those BA/MD programs. I probably won't be aiming for those top-name Ivy Leagues, but I will apply to the top UC's, as well as some other private colleges that interest me.

He also wants me to try preparing for the ACT, in case I might do better on the ACT. I've looked at some sample questions. I think they are easier than SAT sample questions, but I'm not familiar with the overall format of the test.

Oh. and if I am going to retake the SAT, I will be studying on my own out of a preparation book, since I don't think those preparation classes are worth the time and money. I have the self-discipline. What I'm missing is the motivation.

Answer 1

Unless your dad is an academic admissions counselor or is heavily involved with college admissions I suspect he information is not factual. You starting point needs to be communication with your father.  Tell your dad though you appreciate that he cares he is becoming to obsessive about your test scores. It is your life that you are preparing for not his. The decision of where you go, what you do with you life, and what you study is entirely up to you. My guess the reason for lack of motivation is due to the over involvement with your college application.

Test scores are only one part of the college admission process. Your high school grades and extracurricular activities also play a part in their determination for admission. For example if you have a slightly lower than expect ACT or SAT score but have had some achievements then those achievements can negate any low score.

Second issue you are going to face is if you do resit the SAT test and your improvement is not significant it will not help you that much. Some school will average the two scores together So if you received a 2100 on your first test and improved to 2200 on your second some school will use a SAT score of 2150. If you are considering resitting your SAT test it is best to discuss with the schools how they use resit scores.

Third issue is taking the ACT test. Most schools will take ACT scores but the more prestigious schools generally prefer SAT scores or will require SAT scores. So again you need to find out from the school their preference, how they are going to be used, and any other questions you may have.

Final issue the average SAT score was 1511 and yours is 2200. 2200 is near the top of what you can achieve on the SAT there is very little room for improvement and retaking most likely will not help your overall situation.

My recommendation is as follows:

1) Talk to your dad and help him manage is obsession

2) Talk with the schools to see if resitting the SAT will help you and how they use resit scores.

3) Weigh the pros and cons of retaking the SAT.

4) Consider the ACT but I suspect there is no advantage to you.

5) Decide what you want to do with your life.

Answer 2

Wow congrats! I got a measly 1970 and will likely retake it.

UC's will def love that score. Along with volunteer work!

But if you want that edge up on everyone else than do it!

Better score will give you more opportunities.

Good luck!

Answer 3

Your score is excellent and, unless you're unhappy, you shouldn't retake it. Retaking the test couldn't hurt you and your desired score of 2300 isn't unattainable for you, but I don't think that an 80 point improvement would make much a difference.

You maybe should be a little worried if you're scores are really unbalanced (like a 620 on one section and two 800s on the others).

Your score means you have an average of 740 on each section, which is great. I would be extremely happy with your score on my SATs.

Answer 4

How did your results compare to the PSAT or any practice tests you have taken? If you did better on one or more sections on the PSAT than the SAT, it may be worth retaking. If you didn't take the PSAT, or even if you did, take a practice test and see how you score. After this, if you think you can improve your score on the SAT, go ahead.

Either way, it  may be wise to take the ACT, you never know, that format might suit you better.

Your SAT score right now will not hurt your chances anywhere. A 100 point improvement will likely be less important than extra curriculars, GPA and such. The improvement might however, help you get scholarships, as there are some scholarships that are given to a certain percentile on the SAT for local areas. For many of these, a 2300+ is needed. I don't know if such a thing exists in your area or what is required, but regardless of area, there will be scholarships that are largely based on the SAT and a 100 point improvement could be very helpful.

Answer 5

Wow, congrats!  Personally, I don't think you need to retake your SATs - many people would kill for your scores!!!  You should definitely look into taking SAT IIs though, especially in sciences.

For the ACT, just be prepared for the science part to kill - but don't worry if you don't really know any science, I knew only a little biology and practically no chemistry when I took them, but i still got a 35 - the science is mainly interpreting graphs and experiments.  The ACT is different from the SAT though because instead of breaking up each section into several smaller portions, you take the entire section at once - Meaning that you do approx. 45 minutes of math, then 45 min. of reading, etc.