Did well on SAT Math but I'm bad at math in school?

Test Preparation
1

I know there’s a lot of people who are good at calculus, pre-calculus, etc. classes in school but struggle in SAT Math. However, I’m the complete opposite - I am good at SAT Math (Have gotten 780-800 all three times I’ve taken the SAT, with relatively little preparation), but I struggle in calc (AB) and did struggle in precalc. I find myself to be good at logic/mental/speed math but I can’t apply harder concepts; I was wondering if there are other people who are like me.

I was also wondering if colleges will look down on me and my work ethic. Will they look at me being a smart math student, but one who slacked off in the classroom? Or do they believe that SAT Math and School math are like two different entities and have little relation to each other? I can say that while I slacked off in freshman year, I certainly have not slacked off since then and have worked my butt off to get As in Math. Because of freshman year, I couldn’t place into the highest math classes for subsequent years. Now, I’m struggling in Calc AB, barely maintaining a B.

Overall, I’m a little afraid that, because of my high test scores, colleges would believe I’m a “smart slacker” in the admissions process.

Thanks for any responses

2

@porch777 Are you a junior or senior? Either way, I don’t think you’ll be seen as a slacker, especially since you said that since freshman year you’ve improved a lot in math. As for not taking the highest math classes (i.e. Calc AB instead of Calc BC), this won’t be a deal breaker unless you’re planning to major in engineering/physics/math where they like to see you took the highest possible level of math.

3

SAT M800 and 80 avg in Math
or
SAT M400 and 80 avg in Math.

I’ll take my chances with the 1st set of numbers any day!
:slight_smile:

4

I’m a senior. I’m looking to go into business so I was hoping that I’d finish with an A in Calc AB this year but it looks like I’ll finish with a B for first semester. At least it’s my only B this year (out of 5 APs). Would top business programs want to see an A in Calc AB?

5

you’re lucky! I’m good at school math but bad at the math sections on the SAT and ACT.