Low-600 math + selective colleges

<p>Hey everyone. So I've taken the SAT I twice now, once in March of junior year and another time today as a senior. Although I am good at Critical Reading and Writing, I am horrible at math. On my first SAT I, I got a 630 in math. Since then, I've studied the math a lot, which has helped me a lot. But I'm still really bad at the math. I skipped seven math questions today and I already know I got a couple others wrong.</p>

<p>I'm wondering: how does it look to selective colleges when someone has a 630 in math and around 750s in Critical Reading and Writing? I know it looks bad. But I don't want to waste my time studying for math when I could be working on my Subject Tests or other stuff.</p>

<p>I'm not applying to MIT or any mathy/engineering schools, although I am considering majoring in bio or chem. I am applying to a couple of Ivies and other top-tier schools (no early apps). I was hoping to get a 2200+. Should I try to get 800s in Critical Reading and Writing instead of studying more for math?</p>

<p>Please let me know if you have any suggestions. Thanks!</p>

<p>Sigh. I am in the same boat as you. :frowning:
I have like a 630 in math from my last time around. And then a 700 in WR and a 740 in CR, hopefully getting both past 750 in this last test (depending on my essay…). I got 750 on Lit and 740 on USH and I’m applying to Columbia ED.
I really don’t know though. I have a feeling I won’t get accepted because of my math. :frowning: I think this last time around the most I improved was 10 or 20 points.</p>

<p>Awwww :frowning: I feel for you. But 750 on Lit is really good!</p>

<p>Any suggestions for us?</p>

<p>I seriously recommend that you improve your math score. Your SAT score is more important than your subject test scores. Even if you think you don’t have time to study and retake, just make time.</p>

<p>It doesn’t matter what you major in or anything like that. It’s about being competitive. You won’t be the most competitive with a math score in the low-600’s for highly selective schools.</p>

<p>@crazybandit: True that. I’m just discouraged because I know if I put in the same time into studying for the Chem SAT II as I am studying for SAT I math sections, I would be able to get 750+.</p>