<p>So I won't give you every single detail but basically my SATs were good (2330 composite), and my SATIIs sucked - specifically my Math2 score, which was 650 when I applied for EA. I knew this was a problem because I had taken it not feeling well that day and etc., and of course the score was abysmal. So when MIT deferred me I wasn't surprised - however, I gave it a fighting chance in January testing, and scored a 770 on the retake.</p>
<p>I really love this school, and I've done the best I could, so I have no regrets. I'm just wondering if a 120pt score increase on a subject test will mean anything to MIT or factor favorably into an RD decision.</p>
<p>That score improvement will definitely help you. Leg up compared to other applicants? No. Leg up compared to your previous score? Definitely. Wonderful job.</p>
<p>I’m a bit more pessimistic. Certainly, an increased score is a positive, but not by much – you were clearly already a worthy applicant, as shown by the fact that they deferred you instead of rejecting you. They’re not worried about your scores. </p>
<p>Obviously there is no way to know the reason that you were deferred but it’s possible that they may have loved everything else about you but were slightly concerned if you will be able to handle the work at MIT. They may have deferred you hoping that you will send in an improved score. I was in a similar situation. I scored only a 620 on my physics SAT2 and sent in an improved score once I was deferred. Good luck!</p>
<p>Thanks for all the feedback. I guess I’m just biting my nails at this point and hoping for the best, but if it doesn’t work out - even though it will hurt - I’m sure it’ll be for the best. @rothstem , did you end up getting in?</p>
<p>Yes, I’m a freshman at MIT. MIT does not deffer someone unless they are strongly considering accepting him or her. That means you must be like Piper said, “A worthy candidate.” Wherever you end up, I assume you have what it takes to do awesome things.</p>
<p>@crazymomster Yeah actually, I don’t know if you’re familiar with the National Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, but I got 4 Gold Keys - 1 for a writing portfolio and 3 for each of my individual submissions. I’m pretty ecstatic, considering I’m in the running for national medals! I mean I know it’s not science but writing has been a lifelong hobby of mine and it’s nice to get some tangible results.</p>
<p>And semifinalist for a big scholarship, but that’s probably not going anywhere.</p>
<p>It’s been said before, but MIT wants a range of students - from well-rounded to very pointy. (I was in the “well-rounded” bucket.) Your writing awards will definitely be a plus (as long as you’ve already shown Admissions you like science enough to get through at least the GIRs, which I suspect you’re all set with).</p>