Changing Application

<p>I was initially going to apply to MIT with Early Action, but after receiving my SAT Subject Test scores, I was wondering if I should apply with Regular Decision.</p>

<p>Here's my dilemma. I have an ACT Composite score of 34 (35 E, 35 M, 30 R, 34 S), but I scored a 760 on my Math II Subject Test and a 680 on my Biology M Subject Test. I'm very worried about these scores because they don't accurately reflect my comprehension of mathematics and biology (which were the main points I made for my essay; mathematics and biology are my strong points).</p>

<p>I peaked at the MIT Admissions Statistics and I was extremely disappointed.</p>

<p>It seems like retaking the tests would be the best idea, but that would mean two things: I would have to drop out of my college classes that I'm taking currently to find time to study for these tests and I would have to move my application to the January 1st deadline.</p>

<p>Is dropping out of my college classes and moving to a Regular Decision Application more favorable than applying with my current scores with Early Action?</p>

<p>I’d stay in your college classes and apply early action anyway.</p>

<p>It is not worth retaking a test that you received a 760 on for applying to MIT. It is good enough. And the 680 score in Biology will not get your application rejected if addmissions loves the rest of your application. They might defer your application to January though. </p>

<p>That’s what happened to me. I got a 760 on SAT2 MATH 1 and I got even lower than you got on my SAT 2 physics. I decided to try taking the SAT2 Chemistry in January just in case I got deferred. I knew that I would be only half way through my Chemistry AP course when I took the exam, but figured it was worth trying. I scored a 700. I was deferred at the early action round and got excepted in January!</p>

<p>I think that you should stay in your college classes and try to improve just your biology score. Good Luck!</p>

<p>Thanks for the response, but I’m sure there were more factors other than your test scores that affected your application.</p>

<p>I don’t want to risk getting rejected and not deferred to Regular Decision when I can simply apply for it. I also heard that it was hardier for students to get accepted once deferred.</p>

<p>

This isn’t really true, and certainly not in any sort of intentional way from the admissions office. If anything, it is slightly easier for you as an applicant, because you have a chance to reflect on your application and send in additional materials that might help your case.</p>

<p>Personally, I agree with rothstem and Piper: re-take Biology if you want to, but don’t drop your college classes to do it. And I don’t think your scores are a reason not to apply EA, although there’s certainly no problem with waiting until the RD round.</p>