Hello,
I took the SATs in January and received a composite score of 2290 (CR: 770, M: 740, W: 780). I really wanted to break 2300, so I wanted to take it again in May. However, I currently do not have any SAT Subject Tests I am happy with, so I had initially planned to take Physics and French in May and Bio, US, and Math II in June. Do you think it’s worth it for me to retake the SAT in May and save Physics and French for October? I am a rising senior and am planning to apply to direct med programs and Ivies. (I also am taking the ACT in April) Thank you for any advice! I appreciate it!
Are you taking Physics and French now? If so, I think it makes sense to take the subject tests when the material is relatively fresh. I think 2290 is probably high enough to get you in the door at any school so I’m not sure that you need to retake but it probably makes more sense to take the SAT in October than the subject tests.
I agree with uesmomof2. If you’re taking Physics and French now then take the subject test while it’s fresh in your mind, especially if you’re taking the AP versions of those classes because you can study for the subject tests while studying for the AP exams. Save the SATs for October, and to be honest the only part you really need an improvement in is math.
I say don’t retake. Good job on your score.
@faith4ever17820 Since I’ve just gone through this process let me share my findings. My D also got a 2290 one sitting. She decided not to retake the SAT thinking it would be enough. She also got a 36 on her ACT one sitting. If you apply Early Action to the top schools - everyone has those scores and that’s because many of the schools are using superscoring and many students are gaming the system to get a 2400 (only studying the part they need to improve). A lot depends on the major you are going into and how competitive it is. Also it depends on the schools you are applying to (Cornell and Yale don’t look at superstores). When applying to the Ivies - it’s more important for you to stand out in your EC’s and your leadership positions. Top schools also want to see you taking the hardest courses and having a high GPA. There are many many talented students out there and these schools have their pick. I encourage you to look at the statistics of who is admitted and the major.
Don’t retake–your M is annoying, of course, but I’m sure you have plenty of other verification of your M skills, and everyone (including adcomms) knows that a 740 scorer doesn’t know “less math” than an 800 scorer.
Well done.
@faith4ever17820
I have personal connection to a former brown admissions officer, and he says that Brown doesn’t care too much above 2250s.
Your CR + M is already 1510. Unless there is an automatic merit scholarship with a cut-off above that there is little value in retaking (go and research what the cutoffs of the scholarships at your safeties are).
Your SAT is competitive, I would not advise you to retake it with such a great score. However, I wouldn’t take 4 subject tests, definitely take Math ll and physics. Not so sure you need US. If you do want to take all of them, then go ahead.
@comptechmom thank you! Where did your daughter end up going to school?
@scholarme Do you know of scholarships where the cutoff is 2300?
Well, for example the top merit scholarship at Ohio State University requires a min of 1520 CR+M.
@scholarme OK, thanks! Do you know of any others?
@faith4ever17820 We are still waiting to hear from a few “reach” schools. She hasn’t reached a decision yet. Also waiting on financial aid and some schools are really shocking us with LOUSY aid. Scholarships are also a toss up so don’t expect much. Even with her 36 ACT - it’s been a minimum. I think they make you think you have a chance but there are so many students with the same scores applying that really it’s comical. Best chance for small scholarships are at “University of” schools. They have more money to work with. I wish someone would put this all down in a book - I could have really used something like this when we started this process. What I’m learning is schools are changing each year and this forum has the BEST information. Also be open-minded in your search and send out at least to 10 schools if you have the time (essays are time consuming). Make sure you know which schools are ‘rolling admissions’ and get those in EARLY to get the most money and early acceptance.
I seriously need to give a talk at our local high schools about my findings - so many parents have no idea about the ‘real’ way it works.
@comptechmom thank you very much! your daughter is lucky to have you! 
@marvin100 Hi! So I retook the SAT in March and got a 760 in math, so I broke the 2300 using superscore. Is this a significant improvement? Thanks
@faith4ever17820 - Not really, but nicely done anyway, and congrats!