sat scores

sat scores
I just took the SAT for the first time and I did OK - I got a 2000. I did really well in reading and writing, but I only got a 550 in math. I want to go to a good school, maybe not an Ivy, but somewhere with a good reputation, like Tufts University. Should I retake it to improve my SAT scores?
- Trying for the Perfect Score
Dear Trying,
It might not be a bad idea. Think hard about why you did not perform as well as you would have liked. Is math difficult for you? Was it your last section and you were tired? Were you having an "off" day? If you can really focus why you did poorly on the math and learn study tips to improve your SAT scores, you might be able to bring your test up by 100 points or so. However, know that with more effort going into the math, your high scores in reading and writing might slip. The CollegeBoard, the organization that administers the SATs, now allows you to choose which scores you send by test date with "Score Choice" However, you can't select which section you want to report: if you improve by 100 on one area, and "slide" in another area by 100 your score will stay the same.
Check with your top-choice colleges about their own score reporting policy. Many schools (including Tufts) only look at your highest score from each section, even if they come from multiple tests. In that case, it might be a good idea to actually have the CollegeBoard send all of your scores (not just the best overall) to your colleges. That way you can pick and choose the best scores from each section of the SATs.
In general, know that it is very rare to make a big improvement (more than 200 points) on your SATs the second time around. Each time you retake the test, your chances of improving actually diminish. My rule of thumb is if you're not happy with your score the first time around, buckle down to study and try again. If you're not happy the second time around, maybe just buck up and accept your SAT scores for what they are.