Got a 1380 on my SAT and not sure how to feel about it. I'm targeting some top 50 schools and wondering if anyone has been in a similar spot and can share whether retaking for a higher score was beneficial for them. Did retaking the SAT make a significant difference for anyone who was in the 1370-1390 range?
First off, congratulations on your score! A 1380 is already a strong performance, but I understand the desire to increase it for those top 50 schools. From my experience, retaking the SAT can lead to an improved score, especially if there were identifiable factors that affected your performance on test day or if there are areas you can pinpoint for targeted study. One effective strategy is to conduct a thorough review of your previous exam to understand where you lost points and then craft a study plan focusing on those areas. Additionally, taking practice tests under timed conditions can greatly enhance your test-taking skills and time management. Remember, even an incremental increase in your score could potentially improve your application profile. I have witnessed students who've raised their score by 100-200 points through dedicated preparation, which can be quite significant in the admissions process. Just be sure to balance the time spent studying for the SAT with other important aspects of your application such as maintaining your GPA, crafting compelling essays, and engaging in meaningful extracurricular activities. Best of luck if you decide on a retake!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.