Practice 1560, goal 1580 - Should I delay my Nov. test?

Test Preparation
1

I’m a junior who just took a practice test and scored 1560 (790 reading/writing, 770 math).

Currently, I’m scheduled to take the SAT with essay on Nov. 5. This gives me about 10 days to finish polishing my math skills and to learn how to write the essay (so far I haven’t found it difficult).

I am aiming for a 1580 or above (and an essay score above 6/6/6), preferably just taking the test once and getting it over with.

I’ve been advised to delay my SAT until December. This would give me more than enough time to prepare for both math and learn the essay. However, I am worried I will start to forget the math I’ve already learned. To avoid that, I would need to continue prepping intensively, which would significantly hinder my ability to pursue my own passions.

Is it a good idea to change the date right now? Or, if I took the test and ended up scoring 1560 worst-case scenario, would that hinder my application to highly selective all-score schools such as Berkeley?

Thanks.

2

yes, if you are confident enough that you will be able to polish your math skills by December, then delay it…since you’re still a junior and have many shots…

3

Are you kidding? A 1560 and a 1580 are virtually the same score, and they are both well over 99%. If you’re scoring over 1500 on official practice SATs, then it’s time to start taking the test. Every skipped test date is a lost opportunity at this stage.

4

UC Berkeley, like all the UCs, requires all scores but takes the highest score: “In the College Board’s Score Choice module, ensure that all scores are sent to UC. We require all scores and will use the highest scores from a single administration.” http://admissions.berkeley.edu/documentation