Son scored 800 math, 640 verbal, 710 writing; subject tests: 760 Math 1, 800 math II, 710 Physics. Top grades at a large top public high school, wants to go to Vanderbilt, Northwestern or Penn. Should he retake SAT to try to bring verbal up? Thoughts appreciated.
Wow, nice scores. Yeah, he needs to take the SAT again for Vanderbilt. If he can bring up his CR to 730+, he will have great chances to get in.
Definitely try for >1500/1600 for those schools posted. Verbal definitely should be retaken, for the quality that you are applying to. First off, Northwestern doesn’t even look at Writing so IF you don’t raise your scores in verbal by a lot you can say goodbye to that school. As for Vandy I heard they don’t really consider writing also. Penn I am sure looks at every part of your applicant. IN the end… retake.
For NU and Vandy I’d advise raising the SAT a little. It’s a good score, probably good enough for ED/EA to these schools but to be as competitive as possible for both decision rounds a slightly higher verbal would be preferred. Honestly though depending on the rest of the application it may not be necessary or it may be super necessary. With perfect grades, ECs, essays improving the SAT a few points doesn’t matter as much compared to someone with a lower stats though it never hurts.
1440 is right about right for these schools?
No, as @SternBusiness said. A >1500 will be enough for those schools.
A retake can’t hurt, and will probably help. Admissions at those schools is extremely competitive.
Is this his first time taking the SAT’s? If so, he can probably re-take even though the scores are fantastic but you don’t want to regret anything. If it is his second time already I would just leave it alone—good enough!
First time taking SATs. He’s willing to take them again so I will pass along the advice received here. Thanks!