How much will this SAT score hurt me?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Massachusetts Institute of Technology
1

Hello everyone,

I just received my Jan SAT score and got 570 in Reading, 790 in Maths and 790 in Writing. Overall, I scored a 2150 which does seem competitive, but I am afraid that the Reading score will be a major issue in my application.

I have competitive Subject Test Scores for MIT. I would be grateful if anyone could let me know how badly this reading score could hurt me.

Thank you.

2

It might be a bit of a disadvantage, but may be compensated with your high writing score or other factors. Just so you know, my reading score was also quite low (low 600s).

3

Good to know that from a current MIT student. Well, my chances are incredibly slim. Let’s see what happens.

Thanks @MITer94‌

4

You can also see the distribution of reading, writing, and math scores for last year’s applicants and admitted students here:
http://mitadmissions.org/apply/process/stats

Good luck!

5

Thanks for the link @MITer94‌ . I did check that out and it does say that an extremely tiny number of applicants with reading scores below 600 were accepted. All I can do is wait for Pi-day.

Thanks again!

6

Don’t worry as long as you are strong in your essays, extracurriculars, and recommendations. I got in Early Action this year with a 590 Reading.

7

@pjhd12 and @MITer94 I got perfect scores in Reading and Writing (800s in both), but I got a 750 in Math. Do you think that a 750 in Math will hurt me at MIT? I scored a 790 on my Math 2 subject test, and I applied as a bioengineering major. (I know that normally 750 isn’t considered a bad score, but I come from a relatively privileged upbringing and I attend a private school where a 750 is considered pretty low.)

8

@pjhd12‌ That gives some hope ! Thanks. Well, I hope I am lucky enough to meet you soon!

@sjsprint‌. I know that sounds kinda low, but the good thing is that - it just isn’t! It’s a great score! I hope you are strong in other areas as @pjhd12‌ said, to get in. Good luck!

9

Aww you’re so nice, @dilaga2014 Thanks! I hope you get in too!

10

@sjsprint‌ I don’t think you should spend any time worrying about your SAT scores. You got a 2350 and that is on the higher end of all applicants. If you don’t get into MIT, it won’t be because of your test scores.

11

No. As a current MIT student, I know a lot of people that did not score 800 on math, and most of us do not care about SAT test scores once enrolled.

Additionally, MIT admissions blogs state that they usually glance over test scores, so a <800 math score is not a big deal, unless your score is extremely low (e.g. 650 or less, probably).

12

@MITer94‌ : Hello! Since you were on this thread, could you please give some advice for upcoming applicants (next year)? And also, could you please give me advice on my Standardized Testing scores:

SAT:2160 (MATH=770;READING=700;WRITING=690)
ACT:34(ENGLISH=34;MATH=35;SCIENCE=36;READING=31)

also, i don’t want to do a chance me thing, but keep in mind that I am Hispanic and my big hook is that I placed 11th in Mu Alpha Theta Nationals Individual Competition (also 10th at statewide). Probably can do better this year

Of course I have other stuff, but don’t chance me, just tell me what to do with SAT/ACT please!

Thanks!

13

There’s nothing you need to do with those scores. They are good enough scores for MIT; once they see these scores they will move on to the rest of your application. However, since MIT is probably not the only school that you’re applying to, you should consider that some schools weigh test scores more heavily than MIT does.