I recently took the SAT for the 2nd time and got a 1540 (800 M, 740 RW)
My asian father wants me to retake it to get an even higher score however I am not sure it is worth it.
I am trying to get into UMICH CS.
Should I retake or should I just focus on writing my essays?
Post edited by moderator to correct the scores
Essays first. At this stage they are far more important.
If you take it, it will be for dad, not admissions with an 800 math and 740 RW.
It’s early enough to knock the essay out and then breathe.
There’s little value to a retake other than to pacify dad, in my opinion.
Essays count at Michigan. 1540 is a fantastic score. A higher score won’t help you. What is your unweighted GPA? Let your father know 90,000 are applying (not all CS). Getting in these day’s is a stroke of luck 
. But having a good application and essay can separate you.
How many students from your high school get offers to Michigan?
No need to retake it.
No need to retake it. You have more than met the benchmark. After that it is about other things.
Tell Dad that sometimes, the more you take it, the worse it will look.
I have a 4.0 UW GPA and around 5-10 people from my high school go to umich every year.
Do you have any advice on how I can convince my dad I don’t need to retake?
Yes. Show him Data. The CDS shows you are already in the top 75%.Go to section C.
Michigan isn’t looking for perfect scores. They want smart students that are active and making a difference. Writing a great essay is more important at this point. A higher Sat can actually work against you as they can see your using Michigan as a back up plan which it isn’t.
It’s hard when your father doesn’t understand admissions and the process. If you don’t get into Michigan and If you’re out of state it’s already hard, it won’t be because of your 1540.
CDS_2024-25_UMAA.pdf https://share.google/8MJeRwzPtoY8uVNOb
I would tell dad that, in theory, he may be correct. Admissions is mysterious. It could possibly make a difference to improve your score. However, since you already have an elite total score with a perfect math score, your odds of admission are improved MORE at this point by focusing on the other elements of your application, than chasing 10 or 20 more points on the SAT.
I’ll be the odd man out here. I do agree that taking the test has little chance of improving your acceptance to U of Michigan.
BUT…if you don’t take it again, and you don’t get accepted, will your dad say “I told you so” (even though we all know you will never know the reason why you get rejected…or even accepted)?
The bigger picture question here is…do you have other less competitive colleges on your application list? Just food for thought…sort of off topic to your discussion here. But something to think about.
how I can convince my dad I don’t need a retake.
If your Dad is going to insist, then you’re stuck and are going to have to retake it. If you’d like to have a conversation with him first, take the advice of @Knowsstuff and show him the data.
First, go to the2024-25 common data set on the University of Michigan website, Section C. Start with C7. There the university tells us directly how important various admissions criteria are to them. There are 4 levels of the ratings: very important, important, considered, not considered. Test scores are rated “important”. So, they matter, but they’re not one of the most important factors considered.
Second, go to section C9. Look at the number of ACCEPTED students who enrolled who submitted test scores - 51% SAT and 18% ACT = 69% of this year’s actual freshman class submitted test scores. In other words, almost one third of the class did NOT even submit test scores but were accepted anyway. So 1530 was the 75th percentile (top 25%) only of those who submitted SAT test scores specifically. This means that 1530 is more like the 80th percentile of ALL students enrolled in this year’s freshman class. And your score was even better than that! Easily top 20% of students who were accepted and enrolled.
Finally, if your Dad is willing, you could involve your guidance counselor in the conversation with your Dad and incorporate hus/her advice in this decision.
Get through these - then if dad insists, then take - to get him off your back.
But don’t forget the other schools - the safe ones - and common app essay. Lots of schools have essays. Get ahead of them..don’t fall behind.
U Michigan accepts kids like you but they also turn them down….so you’re out of state and dad is willing / budgeted to pay $350-$375k for you to go there ? Or are you in state ?
At the University of Michigan, we are focused on developing leaders and citizens who will challenge the present and enrich the future. In your essay, share with us how you are prepared to contribute to these goals. This could include the people, places, experiences, or aspirations that have shaped your journey and future plans (100 word minimum; 300 word maximum).
Describe the unique qualities that attract you to the specific undergraduate college or school (including preferred admission and dual degree programs) to which you are applying at the University of Michigan. How would that curriculum support your interests (100 word minimum; 550 word maximum)?
So probably 20-30 get offers. Ask your guidance counselor what their stats are or look it up on the sites your school uses. I will tell you now you’re at the top end of that. 1480-1520 is where you want to be with 1520 being like the perfect score to impress admissions. If you have good Ecs and the rest of your application holds up, then you at least have a shot. Concentrate on the rest of your application. You’re already a merit honor’s at Michigan State with half tuition and possibly a full ride.
Have safeties as suggested. Michigan looks for scores and rigor. If you took the most challenging classes you were able to, did some Ecs for a few year’s and have a strong essay then you will be looked at. Your competing against other’s with the same profile. It’s only one school. Have other’s that are affordable and you would like to go to. We have a Michigan thread also here on cc.