690 CR vs 800 M + W: too big a difference?

Test Preparation SAT Preparation
1

I just got my January SAT I results back (was my first time taking the test), and I got:

Overall = 2290

Writing = 800 (Essay 10, Multiple Choice 80)
Math = 800
Critical Reading = 690

I am an international student applying for the following schools this year:

  • Columbia (first choice)
  • Princeton
  • Stanford
  • Yale
  • Harvard
  • Brown

Do you guys think the difference between my CR and M/W scores is too big? Should I retake the exam? However I still haven’t taken my SAT IIs and could potentially benefit from more study dedicated to that instead…?

Thanks in advance to everyone for your help!!

2

Wait several months before taking it again, but practice Critical Reading a lot. You have a ton of time, being a junior (Or at least I’m guessing you are). Seriously, do not take it again until May or June so that you can study as much as you can.

3

Thank you @Cosmological‌ for your reply!

I’m actually a senior this year and will be taking my final IB exams in November, so the only two sessions I have left before August, when I would like to have all my standardised testing completed, are May and June. I’m still yet to do the SAT IIs and I was hoping to do two in May and two in June…

Would the 690 hurt my chances in admissions at the above colleges despite the acceptable overall score of 2290? Would it be worth it to take the SAT I again and do three subject tests in one session instead (I am scared that this would cause me to get lower scores)?

4

690 is a nice score–it won’t disqualify you from your dream schools–but it also leaves you somewhat vulnerable; that is, it might be the reason they pick someone else instead of you.

I’d take it again, but wouldn’t rush into it. Make sure you’ve locked down your vocab (unless you consistently get every sentcom right).