SAT Advice

[DigitalOne]

Got my SAT scores back today. Anyone else take them recently?

I got an 1170, which i'm sort of but not really happy with; is it safe to assume one's score would be higher on his second time taking it?

[gerbick]

you usually will score higher the second time mostly because you've learned how to pace yourself. the questions, while similar, will be different enough to warrant thinking still.

but honestly? the word problems are weighted to be worth more. I skipped backwards, did those first, then went back and did the rest.

I got a decent score doing it that way.

[Ultima Designs]

I've heard that you might improve as much as 100 points the second time through (or if you take the PSAT and then the SAT).

In my humble opinion, you should also take the ACT. On the ACT, I would score between 27-31 right now (that is basically good enough for some of the most selective colleges, including Ivy), but on the SAT I would score around a 1250 or so, which is about average for the colleges below the most selective bracket. I'm not sure if I even plan on taking the SAT at all...

[C.Schwalbach]

Hey man,

I got an 1200, so don't feel bad about it, It's not too bad of a score. I also suggest ACT, it seems more schools look for the ACT scores than SAT

[gerbick]

yeah, after I got my test scores on my ACT, I got more offers for full-scholarships than my SAT.

[Ultima Designs]

Where'd you go, Gerbick?

[Veniogenesis]

I've heard of people who've increased around 200 points the second time around. (This is after some extra preparing, of course).
Experience counts a lot when you're taking any form of standardalized test. At least, this is what I've heard.
I'm not absolutely positive though. I've only taken the SAT once. That was in 8th grade. (1490) Though, I did take the PSAT this year (which is somewhat similar) and got a 233. I'm pretty sure that is an improvement in a relative sense.

Digital, what year are you in?

[random_fool]

I took them as a sophomore, the saturday morning after a late friday-night football game, got a 1520, and never looked back.

If you're going to school primarily for academics, you've probably got enough to get into many state schools. If you're looking for something more prestigious, you may want to consider taking it again.

Other things most schools want to see are extra-curricular activities, some sort of "good" work (charity, community service, church, etc), and SAT IIs.

Out here on the west coast, I can't say a single school cared about ACTs. Columbia even offered full rides without seeing ACTs, so I wouldn't worry too much.

(If I recall correctly, you're a baseball person - get above a 1200, and be good at baseball, and you can probably get into most schools. If you're going primarily to play ball, you're probably OK anyway, considering you're good enough to make the team already).

[gerbick]

Originally posted by Ultima Designs
Where'd you go, Gerbick?

University of Colorado - double majored. And yourself?

[Ultima Designs]

Sophomore in high school.

I'd like to go to Georgetown though - political science.

I have a cousin who went to the University of Colorado a few years back who does website design for the Colorado government. We actually have a condo out in Steamboat...if you know where that is. Colorado's a great place.

[gerbick]

of course I know where Steamboat is... still like Breckenridge and the whole Arapahoe Basin better though. Loveland was great for cheap weekends... mind you, I was a college student. And I own land in Weld County, north of Greeley.

[Ultima Designs]

I've never really been anywhere but the area of Denver up to the 'Boat.

[kb1827]

yeah, id say your score will go up between the first and second testing. you'll be more familiar with testing procedures, types of questions, etc.

also, take SATII's...not only do many colleges require them, but if there are a few subjects that you are very good at (and want more than the letter grade for the course on your transcript), they offer you a standardized way to shine ( )

[SubwayDesigns]

Yes, take it as many times as you can. I'm sure you'll do better the second time around.

It took it three times, and I got 1220, 1290 and 1460. It's all about knowing how to lose the least possible points and pacing yourself.

[erova]

i only took the SAT once because I got accepted to the school i wanted to go to with the score i earned.

if you know where you want to go and your score fits into what they're usually accepting, just apply for early notification.

[alty29]

no worries reid, I went up almost 300 points my second time, and with all your sports and what not, your fine.