Should You Retake the SAT with a Score of 1350 and a 5/5/5 Essay Score?
When considering whether to retake the SAT, especially after achieving a score of 1350 with a 5 in each section of the essay, the decision can be complex. This article explores the factors you should consider and provides guidance based on the advice from experts and common practices in college admissions.
Assessing the Impact of Your Score and Essay
Your 1500 on the March 2019 SAT is a solid score, placing you comfortably above the 75th percentile for many college admissions. However, the essay score of 5/5/5 might not significantly impact your chances of admission, especially without additional context about the score's relevance to your target college.
One perspective suggests that if your SAT score is near the 75th percentile or at least the 50th percentile, and considering your target college's profile, the essay score is acceptable. The essay section score, while important, does not significantly influence the overall admissions process. Therefore, many would argue that the 5/5/5 essay score is adequate.
Tips from Experienced Professionals
There is some advice suggesting that you should not bother retaking the SAT if your score is already competitive and above the targeted percentile range. Expert advice often emphasizes that if you plan to take AP English Language and Literature, the essay score could be relevant for college credit or placement. In other cases, some universities might require an essay for certain courses or programs, so it's crucial to understand the requirements of your specific target college.
The decision to retake the exam also depends on whether the essay score is necessary for admission to your desired institutions. If your colleges are not interested in your essay score, retaking the SAT might just be a waste of time, money, and effort. Some experts believe that most current college students could not do any better than your 5/5/5 essay score, indicating that it is already highly competitive.
Should You Aim for a Higher Score?
Earning a 1350 on the SAT is a strong achievement, but the decision to retake the exam ultimately depends on your aspirations and the requirements of your target colleges. For students aiming to get into elite universities, a 1500 is often considered ideal. However, if you have a realistic chance of achieving a higher score, it might be worth the effort.
Considering the different components of the SAT, focusing on the math section might be beneficial since it is often more challenging. The essay score often depends on personal writing skills and the specific prompt, making it less predictable in terms of improvement. However, if you believe that a higher score will significantly enhance your application, it could be a strategic move.
Conclusion
The decision to retake the SAT with a score of 1350 and a 5/5/5 essay score depends on multiple factors, including the competitiveness of your target colleges, the relevance of the essay score to the application process, and your own aspirations. If you have the potential and motivation to achieve a higher score, it could be a worthwhile investment. However, if your score is already competitive and you have other strengths in your application, it might be more efficient to focus on other areas.