<p>Hey guys,
So on the October SAT test I got a 2300. I know that that is a good score, but my breakdown was very different from my practice tests. M 800 W 770 (10 essay) CR 730. CR has been one of my most consistent 770+ scores on practice tests and it kind of frustrates me that I got a 730. I want to apply to really competitive schools such as HYPMS and Northwestern HPME. The statistics show that the 730 is either average or below average for these schools. Northwestern has an average of 760. I am a junior and it was my first time taking it and the purpose of taking it in October was to not worry about standardized tests until APs, but now I am wondering if I should retake. I feel like a 730 should be fine, but the data shows that it is not very competitive. But I also know that my acceptance won’t come down to SAT scores and that I probably won’t be denied because of a 2300, so I feel like there would be no point in retaking. I really have no idea what to do. Can anyone help?</p>
<p>Take it again. Practice tests are never completely accurate to the actual exam. For me, I scored around a 29-31 on Barrons ACT practice book and on the test date, got a 34, actually a 34.25. Moral of the story: practice books are good but the only one to use for calculating the most plausible potential scores are the Blue Book for SAT and Red Book for ACT (official books released by the tests with about 10 tests in them). </p>
<p>Do a little more preparation but if it only goes up 10-20 points in CR, no need to retake. 1530/1600 is good for any school. If you don’t like your score, take the ACT as you have time. Also, try a little harder to write an 11 or even 12 essay as that will bump up W by 10, maybe 20 points, a bump that would make you much more of a standout. If you need help on that, DM me as I have gotten 11’s on both the SAT and ACT essays multiple times. </p>