I just took the SAT for the first time this past November. I’m incredibly happy with my reading and writing scores (750 and 780, respectively), but basically blew the math (530, yikes!). That being said, I did no preparation–this was my “cold run” and I did much better than I expected to. I exceeded the requirements for Barnard’s reading and writing sections, but need a 100 point improvement on math to put me solidly in their math mid-range. If I don’t plan on going into any mathematics-heavy fields, is this a dealbreaker? Additionally, I only have two months to prep (I’m taking a course for the January test) and am taking the December test as well (I don’t want to take the new test!). Any suggestions for good math-centric books and courses/notions about admissions? Thanks!
Please ignore the obnoxious username I created for myself in the 8th grade.
If you have the time, you should probably try to get your math score up. Your CR and writing scores are so good that getting your writing into the 600’s will take your composite score from good to amazing, but as of right now I’d say it would be an issue. Even a 600 would make a significant difference on your score, and if this was your first time you’d benefit from taking it again.
That said - have you taken the ACT? The composite score for the ACT is often more heavily weighed than an SAT composite score, so if you have huge disparities between writing and reading on the ACT, iit’s a little bit less of an issue.
(By more heavily weighed I mean that many colleges tend to look at the SAT section by section, while the ACT is more likely to be looked at form the standpoint of its composite score. If that makes sense.)
Thank you very much for your response! You may have misundersood me, though. I got a 790 on writing, but a 530 on math, so why should I want to get my writing in the 600s if it already exceeds that?
Whoops! I have two accounts because I couldn’t figure out how to change my username. This is “strivingforanivy” cringe
Also, just to provide context, not to brag but my ECs are pretty bonkers (lots of leadership, founded two clubs with great membership, editor of a quill and scroll society recognized paper–and, unlike some of my peers, actually love everything and can talk about it) and I’m going to have at least two really awesome internships (I interned for the CT House Democrats Senior Policy Analyst last summer, and have plans in place to intern in the Yale Cognitive Psych Lab , not to turn this into a chance post, of course 
Oh sorry - I definitely meant to say getting your math into the 600’s. Your EC’s sound great but as your original question was whether or not you should retake the SAT to get your math up, I would still definitely say yes.
Quite alright, thank you very much! Since I’m already signed up for Dec and Jan tests, I was just wondering if I will be able to improve with tutoring/self studying etc. in all of 2 months?
Speaking of turning this into a chance post, @ffina23 , could you possibly chance me for Barnard? @strivingforanivy your other scores look great, but that math really does need to come up!
I got to a 690 from a 550, so there is hope. Do lots of practice tests. I used Barron’s, bc it is reputed to be a little harder than the actual SAT.
Yes. I think math is much easier to improve on than the others. When does the new test start? My comments go only to the old one. On the old/current test, you want to identify the type of question. Figure out which ones give you a problem and study those. I’m horrible on the red marble/green marble type of question, for example, where you have to figure out probabilities from two mixed sets, but most of the others are not difficult if you memorize the various formulas for area & circumference, use logic, and read the question carefully. I got today’s question of the day (enjoy doing them to help keep this 63-year-old brain firing on all cylinders) wrong by missing what the bar exam prep called the “call of the question”: https://sat.collegeboard.org/practice/sat-question-of-the-day
Wish I was the same way, I guess I’m going to have to force myself to “math” (yes, as a verb) everyday! Thanks for the response!
Luckily, I do have some hope, as I’m going to take classes with a tutor who said he’s brought two low 500s (ugh, I cringe) to 700s who were similarly motivated. Thanks for the response!
Also AP Stat and dual enrollment Anatomy, I always forget those pesky maths and sciences
There’s no way a highly selective school will take someone with a 530 math score. Your other two scores are great, but this low math score is a deal breaker. Raise it to 650+ (getting 700+ would be ideal). I disagree with other posters. OP should not try the ACT because OP would likely not do well on the Math/Science sections, which would inevitably lower the composite.
@golfcashoahu Agh, I know. Your honesty is appreciated, though I am starting classes tomorrow with a tutor who has raised two 500s to 700s, so wish me luck Do you think having that 530 on my record will do me any damage?
At a Barnard summer program, an admissions officer told me that Barnard is much less SAT-obsessed than other selective schools. She stressed the extreme importance of the essay, but with your clear aptitude for English and pretty amazing summer experiences, I’m sure you’ll write an amazing one. For these reasons, I wouldn’t say your math score is a deal-breaker, but I think it’s great you’re trying to improve. The Barron’s book has been very helpful to me when it comes to math, and the free resources on Khan Academy’s website are great as well. With the help of your tutor, I think you’ll wind up very happy with your score.