Should I.......?

Applying to College
1

<p>So it turns out that 3 out of the 5 reach universities I am applying to next year do not look at the SAT Writing section (namely, uChicago, Notre Dame, and Cornell). </p>

<p>The problem is my SAT scores are unbalanced, and not in my favor:</p>

<p>Critical Reading: 660
Math: 710
Writing: 790</p>

<p>Since all the universities I am applying to (even my safeties) superscore the SAT, do you think it would be worth just studying for Critical Reading and trying to raise it to a 750 (in which my composite would be 2250)? </p>

<p>My SAT I Math will probably improve since I am studying through the Barron’s SAT 2 Math during summer. </p>

<p>And if you think I should retake the SAT for the critical reading, what books do you recommend?</p>

<p>Of course I know SAT scores are not everything; I have been on these forums long enough to see what kind of people get into the schools I am applying to. But it would be great if you left a suggestion.</p>

2

<p>I think that’s a good idea if you have time :)</p>

3

<p>If you have time to retake and and won’t be sacrificing anything major in the process, do it. A higher CR + M score seems like it would make a difference for you.</p>

4

<p>Which books should I use to raise my CR score? I currently only have the large blue collegeboard book of tests, but are there others (also vocal books) which are heavily recommended?</p>

5

<p>I would retake the SAT and concentrate on CR. My daughter originally received a 680 on the Math section, retook focusing only on math, and received a 720. She will be a sophomore at ND next year. Also, do not worry about the other sections on the retake. They truly do super score. Her second CR score was 140 points below her first, and apparently it didn’t matter. She used the CB book, as well as PR. There is also an excellent SAT prep thread on here written by Silverturtle. It was written four years ago, but she found it invaluable.
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/sat-preparation/955109-silverturtles-guide-sat-admissions-success.html”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/sat-preparation/955109-silverturtles-guide-sat-admissions-success.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

6

<p>I’d retake and try to focus on CR – if you can push it over 700 it will help you. My kids used the blue college board book but if you have time to take a prep class or get a tutor for a few sessions to help with CR that could help as well.</p>