Bad SAT Distribution

<p>So, I've taken the SAT 3 times already. The last attempt, I got a 2250 (790 CR, 770 M, 690 W). My scores are heavily concentrated in 2 sections. Is this going to bring me down for admissions? Should I retake the SAT?</p>

<p>A 2250 is a solid score. Your math and reading are at/above 75th percentile at most competitive universities, but writing is below the 25th percentile. CCers often debate whether to take the SAT a 4th time and my view is that if you can get writing substantially higher (i.e. 750+), then you might as well go for it. Ask some schools what they recommend. See if you can realistically increase your writing score by 80-100 points. Don’t retake unless you’re 100% confident that you’ll see a strong gain in writing.</p>

<p>Er, assuming I’m not going for HYPSM, any ivies, or schools like MIT and Cal Tech, where do I stand? My dream school is NYU Stern. Also, thanks for the solid advice.</p>

<p>csokane,
Check the Common Data Set for NYU Stern. It will list the SAT & ACT scores, by subject, of the students that were admitted for the year of that report. It will give you a clear idea of where you stand.</p>

<p>I just called them and an admissions counselor said 2250 was on the low end for Stern -_-</p>

<p>Scores are just one part of your application package. Your GPA, class rank, rigor of study, LOR’s, EC’s, & essays all come into play. That is why college applications are subjective. Some are more known for taking a hack-saw at certain scores and won’t look below, most take a more holistic view in admissions. Make sure you are doing your best in all areas.<br>
Standardized tests are important, but one part of your admissions package.</p>

<p>How about 3 Subject test or AP scores in lieu of the ACT/SAT?</p>

<p>What’s your superscore? Since you’ve taken it three times, I’m sure it’s higher than what you’ve posted above.</p>

<p>I’m thinking about doing it through the 3 subject test requirement, but I haven’t been able to score high enough to match my sat score. Also, my superscore is this. I literally improved on each section every time lol.</p>

<p>If you can use Score Choice at the universities you are applying to, then maybe you can take a fourth time and hide the bad ones?</p>

<p>

The admissions counselor most likely exaggerated/lied/whatever you want to call it, although I’m not sure why he or she would be inclined to do so. The average SAT at Stern for enrolled undergraduates is a 1445 M+CR. Assuming no significant disparities between the Math/CR and Writing scores of those accepted, it would be safe to assume that the average composite score is somewhere around 2150-2180. Based off of that, I would estimate that a 2250 is around the 75-80 percentile of enrolled students at Stern, probably higher.</p>

<p>And in case you suspect that what I’ve said is just hearsay or you are more willing to believe said admissions counselor (perfectly understandable), here’s the data.
<a href=“http://www.stern.nyu.edu/AboutStern/index.htm[/url]”>http://www.stern.nyu.edu/AboutStern/index.htm&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>Ugh, I’m so confused. I don’t get why he would tell me that either Jersey.</p>

<p>But also, schools care less about writing section than the others. So its not that bad that its your lowest</p>