Reply to How many times is too many to take SAT?

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Colleges won’t know how many times you took it. Just report the two that you use to super score. Is her second one is worse than the first for both sections? If not, you can use the best section scores to super score. Now, my impression from doing a lot of research is that there is zero difference between 1520 and 1550 for the purposes of most college admissions but I don’t think it would hurt to take another test. There is randomness to it. My kid had 1520 on the first try. Didn’t prep at all for the second and got 1570. [/quote]

OP here. 770 verbal on both, 750 math on first 730 on second. Focused most of her prep on improving math between 1st and 2nd but didn't pan out.  Doesn't want to major in STEM.  We (including DD) all agree that really no difference between 1520 and 1550 but with all the focus on "what's the middle 50%" for various schools potentially on the list, that's where we get a little tripped up.  1520 puts her in the middle 50 but not at top or above for some schools.

Of course this is all a little nuts--I get that.  DH and I both scored in 1300s 30+ yrs ago and were thrilled- hate that there is so much pressure on these kids that 1520 doesn't feel like a home run.  Nonetheless, thanks to all offering opinions.  It actually is very helpful to read others' thought processes and experiences.  [/quote]

Yes it is all a little crazy!  If you have already done test prep (With a professional tutor), it's not likely you will see much more of an increase without  intensive additional prep (as in 15+ hours and tons of outside work from your kid).  My own kid did 4 hours of test prep after a practice test.  First practice test after that was what they finally got.  Did 3 additional practice test and ALL hovered around (within 20 points) of the ultimate best score.  So unless your kid is really committed and does Intensive prep, you probably have found their range.  And a 1520 is an amazing score!!!  However, it's really not worth the added stress.

Colleges where a 1550 is the middle point, are a crap shoot anyhow; and it sounds like that will be all of your reaches.   The added 30 points likely will not make a difference, especially if not applying as a stem major.  I'd personally focus on finding a great set of reach, target and safeties, and focus on the essays and interviews/demonstrated interest.  Oh, and focus on letting your kid enjoy the summer and their senior year.  They have enough stress and your DD has an amazing score already.  Focus on finding the right college list for her.  There are too many people who stress over increased scores and trying to make everything perfect, and yet come April of senior year didn't get into their reaches or most targets because they were all schools with low acceptance rates.  Focus on finding great choices that your DD would love that have higher acceptance rates and then find the reaches she wants to shoot for
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