I recently took the SATs and scored a 2120. 650 CR 670 M 800 W. I intend to apply to a lot of top schools and particularly their engineering programs. Will my low math score prevent me from getting into engineering programs at schools like Columbia, Northwestern, Yale, etc? Thanks
Probably. The writing score is the one least emphasized/used. It isn’t even part of the new SAT.
2120 is on the low end for the schools you list and out of 1600, you have a 1320 which while solid is not all that competitive for the schools on your list.
To be blunt it isn’t just the math score that will prevent you from getting into those caliber schools.
This is a “weak” 2120, as others have pointed out. I’d retest. Scores below 700, especially in CR and M, really hurt our chances.
Try the ACT (different people do better on either test: I got max of 2080 on the SAT, then 33 ACT first try), or retake the SAT. You want consistently top score in every category, not lower scores here and higher ones there that balance out. Aim for minimum 720 in every category.
The threshold for unhooked applicants to top schools seems to be 1400/32+ and even then the schools you mentioned are a quite a reach. As others have mentioned your score is a bit low. The good news that it is roughly equivalent to a 32 on the act but a 1320/1600 is a bit weak. So I would seriously advise retaking! From what I’ve heard, it is not a bad thing to be a bit lopsided but the lopsidedness needs to match your academic ambitions. So for an engineering applicant that would mean strong Math scores (at the very very least 700+). Maybe take the Math 1 or 2 subject test. If you score high on those that will boost your chances. All this being said you’re scores aren’t a deal breaker. If you have a hook, talent, great ECs, you’re scores may be overlooked. I’m actually a comparatively low stat applicant myself (1410/2110 SAT) and I know it can be painful to feel like you’re worth as an applicant is determined by standardized testing. I would say by all means apply to the schools you mentioned, but make sure to have some match and safety schools on your list as well. Best of Luck!
Thank you for all the comments! This was my first time taking the test, so there’s certainly hope that my scores can go up. Again, thank you for all the input.
Definitely retake. 800 W score is great but it doesn’t mean a lot when you’re sub-700 in the other categories