Should You Retake the SAT After Scoring 1520?

Deciding whether to retake the SAT after achieving a score of 1520 involves considering several factors that can impact your college application. This article aims to provide you with a comprehensive guide to help you make an informed decision.

Understanding Your SAT Score

A score of 1520 on the SAT is considered very high, placing you in the top 5-7% of test-takers. While this score is competitive for most colleges, it remains important to consider the specific requirements and expectations of the institutions you are targeting.

Evaluating College Requirements

The first step in deciding whether to retake the SAT is to thoroughly research the colleges you are interested in attending. Many institutions have specific score thresholds, and some consider the highest score across multiple test administrations. Understanding the requirements of your target schools is crucial.

Considering the Score Percentile

While a 1520 places you in a high percentile, it is still helpful to compare this score to the average SAT scores of your target universities. For example, highly selective schools like the Ivy League may have average SAT scores much higher than your current score, indicating that retaking the SAT could be beneficial.

Evaluating Subject Strengths

Another important factor to consider is your performance in specific sections of the SAT. If you feel confident that you can improve your score, particularly in weaker areas, then it might be worthwhile to retake the test. For instance, if your score in the Math section is around 730, it might be lower than expected for a top-tier college, especially if you plan to major in a STEM field.

Assessing Time and Stress

Retaking the SAT is not a decision to be taken lightly. It can be a time-consuming and stressful process. You need to weigh the potential benefits against the time and effort required. If the thought of retaking the SAT is not burdensome and you believe it could significantly improve your chances of admission to your desired college, it might be a good choice.

Decision and Recommendations

In general, if you are satisfied with your current score and it meets or exceeds the requirements of your target schools, it may not be necessary to retake the SAT. However, if you need to retake the test to gain admission to a particular college, then it is recommended.

For example, if you scored 790 in Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) and 730 in Math, it might be beneficial to retake the Math section, especially for a top-tier college or if you plan to pursue a STEM major.

A 1520 SAT score is high enough to qualify you for admission to 99% of all universities in the United States. However, a handful of highly selective institutions may have a slight edge in their admissions process, such as a requirement for a score of 1540-1560. If you feel that a higher score can help you stand out, then consider retaking the SAT.

Ultimately, the decision to retake the SAT lies with you. If you decide to take the test again, you will need to report only your highest score. While my decision might be right for me, your circumstances and preferences are unique, and your decision will be right for you.

Whichever path you choose, I wish you the best of luck in finding a good university that aligns with your academic and career goals.