<p>here's my dilemma.</p>
<p>On the SAT I got a 720 in critical reading, which I'm satisfied with. My writing score was good too, although I can't remember exactly what it was. Definately a 630+
Unfortunately I only got a 590 in math. </p>
<p>I plan on definately retaking them and hopefully getting a 700+ in the writing (which I know I can do) and improving in the math.
In all reality I really don't think I can get over a 650 though. It's possible but I'm trying to be as realistic as possible.</p>
<p>Will schools like BU, holy cross, bates (maybe), smith, and villanova still consider me?
I was hoping they would take in consideration I'm a political science major and not an engineering major!
Do colleges sometimes look over one weak score?
Oh and here are my ACT scores, if that's relevant:</p>
<p>Writing- 30
Reading- 34
Math- 26
Science- 23 (embarassing)
composite- 28</p>
<p>well of course not everyone can excel in all areas, just focus on the areas that you can excel in - you seem to be a "humanities-oriented" person, so just try your best in math and it won't be too negative (unless it's egregiously low).</p>
<p>I guess a 590 isn't absolutely horrible, but for competative schools it's pretty weak. And I'm definately a humanities person! I just don't want something like a stupid math score to stop me from getting into a great school. Thankyou for the advice, I'll definately try to up my writing score because it should be a strong point for me.</p>
<p>I have seen humanities students get like good math scores, I really do think with some practice and understanding maybe you can get like a 650+.</p>
<p>I'm hoping I can, but I tend to panic the day of the test. I took the SAT in May and June and studied in between as much as I could and only improved ten points. But, just a few weeks in between isn't much time so hopefully this summer there will be improvement. It's always been my weakest subject, so sometimes I think it's all in my head because I assume I will do bad in math.</p>
<p>OP: Yes, if the other parts of your application are strong, and you're not applying to a school or program that will really rely on your strength in the subject, you can still be accepted into excellent schools even with a weak subscore. I assume that the more you can raise it (at least to the 600+ level), the better, but if the rest of your application package is strong, don't let this stop you from looking at schools you love. One low subscore won't do you any favors, but on its own, it won't keep you out of the running, either.</p>
<p>I've seen SAT breakdowns that tell how many enrolled students scored in each hundred-set (...400-490, 500-590, 600-690, etc.) of each section. See if you can find those, because schools usually 'bottom out' at some level, and those numbers might be somewhat-kind-of-but-taken-with-lots-of-salt relevant, particularly if you don't hit the 600 mark.</p>
<p>Best of luck.</p>
<p>^ I should clarify that I was speaking generally, and not necessarily in reference to the OP's particular situation.</p>
<p>If you're notably weak in one area, you'll want to be notably strong in another, so I'd say that a weak test score can be overcome, rather than overlooked, if that makes sense. Only speculation. </p>
<p>That said, you're probably not at as significant of a disadvantage as you think: your current math score happens to be at/above the 25% at both BU and Smith, and your CR score puts you above the 75% at every school you list. Definitely not out of the running, even without a re-take. Getting that math score into the 600's (and specifically, into the other schools' mid-50% ranges) would definitely be nice, though.</p>
<p>SAT and ACT breakdowns can be found in the Common Data Set for each school:</p>
<p>CDS</a> | Boston University
CDS</a> | College of the Holy Cross
CDS</a> | Bates College
CDS</a> | Smith College
CDS</a> | Villanova University</p>
<p>Thankyou all so much, I'm at least a little more at ease now. And Student 615 those data sets were very helpful thanks for posting them.</p>
<p>My S was admitted to Villanova with a very high math score that evened out a not so hot reading score, a reverse of you. Do the best you can and then keep your fingers crossed. There is more to an applicant than test scores as they consider all facets of your application. If you are really interested, let them know! Good luck!</p>