<p>My Critical Reading and Writing scores are alright, but when I take practice tests, I consistently score low on the math sections. Will this destroy my chances of getting into Pitt, even if I otherwise have a pretty good GPA, almost all Honors/AP classes, etc.?</p>
<p>What do you consider low?</p>
<p>I got a 49 on the PSAT, and from the (albeit small) amount of prep I’ve done, I haven’t scored any higher on practice tests.</p>
<p>Wow that’s terrible man. I got a 790 first time and my parents were ****ed.</p>
<p>Keep in mind that you’ll probably perform differently on SAT than PSAT. I think Pitt is typically looking for at least a 500 math, and I heard somewhere that if you score lower than 600 you have to take a math placement test. Just do your best, don’t forget you have multiple trials to take the SAT if you’re not happy with your score.</p>
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<p>I think the median is up at 600 now, and anything lower requires a math placement test. If you apply into engineering, you have to take the tests anyway (No, I don’t know why, it’s stupid), but also (obviously) you’ll probably want a 650+ M score anyway.</p>
<p>forensicswhiz94 wrote:
What this tells me is that familiarity with the test format is not the problem. Are you consistently missing the same type of question? If so, you might want to review the material. Some test prep books (Gary Gruber’s come to mind) are good about categorizing questions for diagnostic purposes.</p>
<p>Alternatively, have you tried an ACT practice test? I think most people are suited to either the SAT or the ACT. Pitt will take either and is one of the few schools that will even “mix and match” results from the two. </p>
<p>Good luck to you!</p>
<p>Don’t worry about the PSATs. My first time for math I scored in the 400’s (PSAT). But I got a 590 on the math for the SATs. But do they really make you take a placement test under 600?</p>
<p>you dont need a 650 to math to get into pitt lol to be safe just get at least a 550 or so minimum. seriously as long as your composite is like almost 1800 you should be fine (if all your other stats are good). this is coming from a girl who got a 470 on math. make sure you identify what the problem is on WHY you are doing poorly, because the math is actually not hard at all at this level in highschool. you either have a problem in STRATEGY or REASONING. usually its strategy which is what tutors are for. if its reasoning (like me), then tutors are a waste of money because it doesnt fix the problem. i got one and went up only 50 points, and it really did nothing. its harder if your problem is reasoning–which seems silly but actually a lot of people have this problem. you need to find someone who can really break down all the steps for you and help you along the way (my dad helped me with this).</p>
<p>i studied for a month straight to redo SAT and my score never went up because i didnt identify my problem until halfway through–my practice test for math went up 150 points once i did. i went slowly and went through the motions and sets. on my practice tests, my act score in math went up 5 points in math. im not an idiot, even though others might argue my 470 meant i was. i didnt get my scores back but i know they for sure went up at least 120 points.</p>