<p>Well, on the SAT (first time I took it) in June I got 800V/680M/790W. Does it look bad that there is a 120 point different between my V and M scores? I know I can bring it up by a lot, I was on a total math burnout that morning (had been studying for my final exam, which I needed to bring my final grade up [and it did], whereas I hadn't in English because it was all about books I had read several times) AND my calculator, the lovely $100 graphing calculator that I have admittedly come to rely on - well, it died on the first question. So that stressed me out.</p>
<p>So I plan on taking it again and focusing on the math, and not worrying too much if my other scores go down a little. Does this sound like a good idea? I know all the schools I'm applying to take the best per section.</p>
<p>Well yes it does look a little bad, but I wouldn't worry too much, here's why.</p>
<p>First, let me say that you should verify any and all advice with the schools you are planning to apply.</p>
<p>If you take the SAT more than once, the schools will only consider the highest of the sections. For example, let's say that your intuition is spot-on and you receive an 750 on Math next time but only 700 in CR and 690 in WS, then the composite scores that colleges will consider in your application are: 800V(1st time) / 750M(2nd time) / 790W(1st time).</p>
<p>Whoops, I just read the end of your post, so you already know this.</p>
<p>However, the one misconception students have is that colleges are looking to show your worst scores, but it is just the opposite. The higher the applicant's scores are, the higher their average is and the more competitive and prestigious they appear. They want you to look good, b/c that in turn makes them look good.</p>
<p>Finally, it depends on the school. Some schools want the scores tight, but others don't really care. I would advise anyone to retake the test in order to close any score difference between CR and M if the difference is currently MORE than 100 points. </p>
<p>If you have other questions, feel free to email me.</p>
<p>Thanks so much! I feel a little better now. I've also heard that what the adcoms see is screened, so, though ALL scores are reported, they only actually see the better ones. Like, an underling of some kind (not trying to make fun, I just don't know - interns maybe?) organizes all the data into a more condensed form? Well, it probably depends on the school.</p>
<p>Anyway... yes. Math must go up. Thanks again.</p>
<p>You are correct. That is exactly what happens, all of the scores are technically available to the Admissions Officers, but they will only see the highest scores unless the really, really want to see all of them. If you are applying to some of the most selective Lib Arts schools, then there is a chance that they will look at all of them, but you will be like virtually every other student who took the SAT more than once. </p>
<p>Also. please remember, though, to treat the underlings (my word not yours) with respect also, b/c there have been documented occasions when an application or supporting paperwork has been mysteriously displaced following a shall we say "confrontation with one of the underlings".</p>
<p>Ack!</p>
<p>Actually, I believe something like that happened to my brother at UMass. He applied for Fall 2007, but his stuff got "misdirected" (he had had an altercation with one of the underlings a few years before) and now he can't get in before Spring 2008.</p>
<p>I was at Choate Rosemary Hall for a Parents weekend, and the Dean of Admissions for MIT stated the same advice word-for-word, so I knew that it was something that had affected a number of applicants.</p>
<p>Sorry that happened to your brother. He was probably in the right, but it also is a good life lesson, right doesnt always equal reality.</p>