I messed up my ACT math. Should I apply to a different major?

Applying to College
1

<p>Hey guys,</p>

<p>Long story short: My ACT composite is 31; the Math section is what worries me though, with a 25.</p>

<p>I plan on applying to a couple colleges' chemE schools, but seeing as math skills are extremely important for said majors, I'm worried about my score weighing me down. I do have a quite good math background apart from said score (school-wise) but as an international I simply didn't do well on that section of the test. The science part was much better, though (32). </p>

<p>Should I apply "undecided" to schools, or to some other less math-heavy major? </p>

<p>Sorry if my question sounds dumb or too worrisome. I'm just looking for some outside opinions.</p>

<p>Many many thanks to anyone in advance!</p>

2

<p>That depends on what math classes you’re taking (have taken) and whether or not you’ve taken (and done well on) other standardized math tests like SAT Math 2 or AP Calculus AB or BC. Because ACT math is precal and geometry based its not inconceivable -to a college- that you are a good math student but you don’t remember your earlier material. However this only really applies if you’ve done well on more advanced math courses and tests that prove your math skills.
Apply for ChemE, don’t apply for ChemE…whatever you do, try to do the thing that will leave you with the least regrets. If you want to get into Fancy College X no matter what then maybe you should pick a less competitive major. However if you want to study ChemE more than anything else, then apply for ChemE and to heck with what everything else. You just don’t want to look back in 10 years and think “what if I had/hadn’t applied ChemE”</p>

3

<p>Just believe that you can fly, and someday you will touch the sky.</p>

4

<p>As long as you have a passion for math and you perform well in the math classes at your school, there should be no problem.</p>

<p>Good luck!</p>

5

<p>Thank you very much, especially saif235. </p>

<p>I am doing very well in the Calculus classes I am taking (IB SL, Higher Level isn’t offered in my school sadly, nor is AP) so the “I don’t remember earlier material” thing actually is the key reason why I feel didn’t perform as well :S.</p>

<p>I’m leaning towards applying to ChemE anyways, I’m just worried that schools will be biased as I’ll only be sending my ACT (no SAT II’s).</p>

<p>Should I mention anything about this dilemma within the application?</p>

<p>Sorry for all the questions. And thanks again in advance.</p>

6

<p>Regarding what major to indicate on the application, you need to check whether the school admits by major (or division). If it does, it may be difficult to change major (or division) after enrolling.</p>

<p>You can try these math placement exams to check your knowledge of algebra, geometry, and trigonometry:
[Placement</a> Test](<a href=“http://math.tntech.edu/e-math/placement/index.html]Placement”>http://math.tntech.edu/e-math/placement/index.html)
[Calculus</a> Diagnostic Placement Exam | Department of Mathematics at University of California Berkeley](<a href=“http://math.berkeley.edu/courses/choosing/placement-exam]Calculus”>http://math.berkeley.edu/courses/choosing/placement-exam)</p>

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<p>@ucbalumnus</p>

<p>I’m not scared of not being prepared, I’m scared of admissions committees thinking I’m not prepared. That’s the problem. :s</p>

<p>Anyone else have input?</p>

8

<p>Alright, looks like there’s no true way around this. Time to face the beast up front.</p>

<p>Rather than create another thread, can someone please give me their opinions on these questions: Should I acknowledge this subpar grade somewhere in my application, or just ignore it and hope for the best? If you think I should make mention of it, where do you suggest I do so (common app comments, within an essay, etc)?</p>

<p>Thank you, kind stranger reading and responding to this inquiry, very very much!</p>

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<p>if I were you, i would immediately sign up for SAT Math 2. Yes, the test is not until late Jan and scores won’t be available until mid-Feb, but a high score would come in handy if you get wait listed.</p>

<p>The problem that you may have is that some ChemE programs are taught in an Engineering college of a University, whereas the undecideds go to the liberal arts College of the same Uni. However, it can be extremely difficult to transfer into the Eng college from the liberal arts college. IN such cases, applying undecided would not be a good move.</p>

<p>wrt questions: you should not address your math score. Instead, let your GC address it. Or better yet, get a strong rec from your Calc teacher.</p>

10

<p>Thanks @bluebayou. So, I’ve pretty much ruled out the “applying to a different major” option.</p>

<p>I’m sending you a PM that basically explains my situation. I’d be extremely grateful if you could give me a minute of your time to help me out.</p>

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<p>If anyone else can offer advice, I’d be extremely glad and grateful to hear it! :)</p>

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<p>Applying to COE with a M25 will really hurt, especially for an international (for whom there are higher standards… unless you’re full pay and have a high GPA). I agree that you need to register for SATSubjects and take math 2 to offset that score. In addition, your background (calculus, physics…) and grades in those subjects will matter.
I would pick a safety and apply undecided in addition to your other choices.</p>

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<p>@MYOS1634 So instead of sending only my ACT, you think I should send the SAT I already have, and register (and send) for the SAT Math II subject test?</p>

<p>Or do you mean to say I should send my ACT as is, but additionally include a high scoring SAT Math II as an “extra”?</p>

<p>Thank you!</p>

14

<p>Anyways, thank you to the people who’ve helped. I sent e-mails to a few of the colleges and they said they’d gladly include an unrequired “extra” subject test in my file.</p>

<p>I’m going to take the Math 2 test in January and send it along with my ACT. </p>

<p>Thanks again for your help forumers :D</p>