<p>Due to a learning disorder, there is a big difference in my daughter's scores on different portions of the SAT (CR 610, M 470, W 610). Does anyone have any insight as to how colleges evaluate such scores? Her CR score will place her in the upper range of the middle 50% of many of the schools that she is interested in, but her math score is well below the 25th percentile.</p>
<p>These are the scores from her first time taking the SAT, so we are hopeful that she will be able to bring up her math score with more preparation. Also, the next time she takes the test she will have an extended time accomodation, which should also help with the math. Nevertheless, it is likely that her math score will always be much lower than her other scores.</p>
<p>Rather than take a general SAT review course that covers all areas, it might be helpful to ask the guidance department for the name of a tutor who can help her specifically with the math portion on a one-to-one basis. The tutor should be able to pinpoint fairly quickly what her weaknesses are, and in two or three sessions of an hour each, help her to improve her scores.</p>
<p>Thanks for the advice. Yes, it is a real problem. She has been diagnosed with a non-verbal learning disorder, which, among other things, affects her ability to process math problems. She has an IEP at school that allows her extra time to do her homework and take her math tests. With the extra time, she is able to get A's and B's in her math classes, which is why we expect her to score higher when she is able to take the SAT with extended time. Even with tutoring and extra time, however, her scores are likely to be unbalanced. I am curious if anyone has any first hand experience with how colleges evaluate students in this situation. For example, if her expected major will not involve math, is the school more likely to overlook a low math SAT score?</p>
<p>I haven't had the experience, but trust me. They will take the learning disorder into account, they're not just going to say, "Too bad." But you have to make sure that colleges actually know about this. So when your daughter applies, make sure that she mentions the learning disorder in the 'Additional Information' section. Colleges will look at everything; they won't just ignore it, since having the logic and reasoning methods that mathematics involves is very important, and there are probably some requirements that your daughter take some kind of math class, depending on the school. I think they'd think, "Okay, what would we expect her score to be if she didn't have the disorder?" Or "Do her grades in math class, even though she has a learning disorder, reflect the fact that at least she tries hard and does her best?" That's more important. They'll understand.</p>
<p>Thanks a lot for aking this question. While I do not have a earning disability, my SAT scores were very close 600/500/600, problem was math as well. I appreciated the ideas tossed around and will prbably hire a tutor specificallly for math. Thanks everyone!</p>