How bad is a 2290?

aristotle1990
Mon, 18 Jun 2007 12:12:53 +0000

I had the exact same score, though with a different distribution. I elected to retake the test, even though my guidance counselor advised against it, and improved my scores. Don’t listen to those telling you it’s a waste of time to retake; it’s not. The fact is, even though people say “There’s only a small difference between a 2400 and a 2290,” approximately 75% of kids with 2400s who apply to Harvard get in. The percentage is nowhere near that for kids who have a 2290. One’s SAT score can make or break an admission decision.

I’d say retake it, but if your scores don’t go up, don’t bother re-retaking. Don’t worry about getting a lower score; Harvard only considers your top subsection scores.