College182

Hey everyone. I would really appreciate some advice as to whether or not I should register for the December SAT today...

Here are my SAT scores to date:

1st Time (January, 2009):

Critical Reading: 640
Math: 620
Writing: 610

2nd Time (May, 2009):

Critical Reading: 690
Math: 700
Writing: 680

3rd Time (October, 2009)

Critical Reading: 700
Math: 680
Writing: 670

I was very disappointed with my most recent scores. I had an SAT tutor leading up to the October test, and yet my scores showed a net 20 point drop. The only positive thing was that my CR score went up 10 points, so now, super-scored, I have a 1400 or 2080.

Unfortunately, in order to have a hope of merit aid at USC, I need to get closer to the 2150-2200 range. I'm really frustrated with the writing section, because I worked a great deal on writing over the summer and scored a 740 on a practice test a week before the October SAT.

So my question is, do I retake it a 4th time? I would only be taking it for the purpose of sending increased scores to USC, and wouldn't send them anywhere if they don't come in much higher (I realize taking it too many times looks bad). I'm debating whether to take the SAT again or the ACT again, on which I got a 31 (but I know its harder to raise scores on the ACT). So, any hope of raising my SAT scores a 4th time?

Thanks for any advice!