<p>Hi! I'm planning on applying to CMU's Pre-College program (Art & Design) for this upcoming summer. I already took my PSAT and I don't think I did so well on it. I only scored an 1850 and I was thinking that it might be a bit too low to be submitted. So I registered to take the January SAT but I feel like I won't score significantly higher. If I end up getting the same thing or around the same score, I might as well send in my PSAT then right? So if you previously attended the CMU program, it would be super helpful if you shared what range you think they're looking for or even what your scores were!
Also does your SAT/PSAT really matter that much for the pre-college admissions? I've seen comments on other threads saying that they don't really care that much/not many people get rejected, it's more of a first come first served basis.</p>
<p>My S attended the summer before junior year so I’ll give you his experience with the process. He had taken the PSAT already then took his SAT in June before attending so that score wasn’t even reported. While his scores were higher than yours, I really did not get the impression that they were emphasizing that aspect of the application. The essays seemed much more important. Also the recommendations from a teacher in the arts. Since he started late on the visual arts, his theatre teacher wrote the recommendation. So you see, I think that what is important is something about you as a student and your commitment/creativity.
I don’t know about the first come first serve thing as he applied for the diversity program. He ended up not being selected for the scholarship but admitted to the program in late April/early May. Try your best to turn in a great application and that will be ultimately more important overall. Good luck.</p>
<p>I submitted a 2200, but I don’t think it was particularly important; rec letters and my essays actually showed passion/whatever they’re looking for (it might be worth noting my rec letters were from an English and history teacher). I’m guessing SAT scores are mostly for the APEA students. The only time scores might be more seriously considered for art/design is if you’re applying for the “Summers for Diversity”/the free precollege program (not sure if it’s merit or need based).</p>