question about how UC's take SAT scores

[kevinf]

i am a junior in high school and am worried about my sat scores. the first time i took it i got 1710, and the second time i got a 1680. although i decreased the second time, they will take the highest score right? i know that i should retake it and i am going to during senior year. also do you think that it is good to take the test more then 3 times

[Jamila]

Yes, UC's always takes the highest SAT score, but they will see both scores.

There's no rule saying how many times you can take the SAT, you can take it as many times as you want. However, in my opinion I think a max of 3 times is best. Taking it too many times make it seem like you are devoting too much time to it. Kind of overkilling it. Again, that is just what I think, but if you think you got a chance for a big improvement...then take it more than 3 times.

[kevinf]

will a lower score on one sat affect a high score of another sat when they look at it

[Erin]

What schools are you applying to? Usually the schools take your highest score.

[kevinf]

i am thinking of applying to irvine next year; if i improve my scores then i will try san diego. but will one score decrease affect my chances of being accepted

[Erin]

If your SAT scores are wildly different, they will look at the other parts of your application. I don't know your GPA, your school, your ECs, etc., so it's impossible to say what will happen if you wait a year to reapply. (A lot will depend on what you do in that year, too. )