I want to know why some colleges like Cornell want to see all the SATs I have taken.
Should that affect how I continue to take the SAT? I got a much, much better score than expected on my reading and writing section and I initially wanted to stop studying for the reading and writing section.
However I found out that some schools want to see all tests, so I don’t know if I should keep studying for the reading and writing section, even if I am sure I won’t ever get a higher score.
Considering this policy, should I study only for the math section from now on? Or study for both sections? Because I doubt any more studying will improve my reading and writing section score, since I think I did really well the first time.
I don’t want a misguiding optimistic answer like “try your best and you never know what will happen!” I’m looking for more realistic answers please, thanks!
I would recommend spending most of your time studying the math section, but spend a little bit of time reviewing the reading/writing. For example, instead of studying them 50/50, maybe devote 75% of your time to math and 25% of your time to reading/writing.
Study for the math section most. Realistically, your score increase will probably increase because of your math score. Studying reading is a waste of time. You can study writing/brush up on grammar rules a few days before the test, though!
Because for whatever reason they think that information can help them make better admissions decisions. The end.
One thing they don’t want is people who took the tests lots of times to raise their scores. A couple of sittings with varied scores are fine at schools that superscore. Just don’t keep retesting.
You focus on raising your score in math, and briefly review verbal. How was your essay score? Schools that want all scores are probably fine with a couple of tests, three tops. They won’t be impressed by any more than that. I would say that two tests are the goal, as a huge number of students do the tests twice. Everyone can have an off day and not do as well as they should have.
Why all test scores? I assume it’s because they want to see how many times a student took a test rather than just selecting the superscores they want to send. I assume they probably aren’t impressed with students who test many times and only manage to nudge their scores up a tiny bit. Some might disagree, but generally, less is more when it comes to test scores.
I agree with you, @intparent and @Lindagaf that taking the test a lot is a bummer, but where did you get the idea that it’s frowned upon to take it more? I used to believe that, but over the years I’ve seen so many applicants violate that “rule” and end up at tippy top schools that I’ve completely cast it off.
Well I defer to your experience @marvin100 , but I can’t help but think that a student taking the test twice and getting high scores is preferable to the student who takes it four times and superscores to a very high number. That would seem indicative to me that a student has had extensive (and expensive) tutoring. Now, I do admit that your context is perhaps a little different, because I know you work with students for whom English is not the first language. I imagine that repeated testing might make a big difference, especially in the verbal,sections. Is that a fair thing to say?
Pretend I am an ad officer at a top college. Do I want the kid who took the test twice and did well, or the kid who took the test four times and finally managed to get scores in the 98th percentile? Do I want the kid who took the test twice and was done, or the kid who obsessively took the test numerous times when he/she could have been spending that time studying for other tests, doing school work, doing ECs, finishing up essays, etc…
I have seen plenty of senior CC posters say that colleges that accept superscores really don’t care, but I am not totally sure. There is no way of knowing how many kids were accepted based on a couple of tests versus kids who were accepted based on more than two tests, but I would bet the number accepted based on fewer test scores is higher. And of course, I am talking about colleges that want to see all scores from all tests, which aren’t that many.
What would look bad is the student who got a 35 the first time on the ACT who retakes it 3 time trying to reach that magical 36 score. That student would be test obsessed and that would be a negative on the application.
I never thought 2 or even three times hurt them. But if I were in admissions at a top school, I’d assume that someone who couldn’t master the material fairly well after 3 attempts was unlikely to be able to match the pace at their school.
@intparent @TomSrOfBoston @Lindagaf @marvin100
Thanks for your input! It does make sense to me now that I shouldn’t stress TOO much for the SAT.
My first time with the SAT I got a 23/24 on the essay. I’m assuming I should be re-taking the essay section whenever I do take the SAT, correct? I’m not saying I would apply for the SAT solely to improve my essay section, but while I am trying to improve other sections, should I still be taking the essay? And how big of a difference does getting a 23/24 over a 24/24 make to admissions officers?
Thanks!
There’s no reason for you to take the essay portion again. 23/24 is great, and there’s no difference between a 23 and a 24. Well done, @Pokeman1 !
@marvin100 Thanks, but even if I’m planning on retaking the SAT to improve my math section, do you still think I should not take the essay? I was planning on retaking it since I would already be at the test site and everything.