<p>So I took the SAT's and did pretty well over all (2190; 800 CR, 640 M, 750 W) but my Math score was significantly lower than the other two subjects.</p>
<p>Although my overall SAT score is right within the median range of a school like Wesleyan, I'm nervous that the low math score might negatively affect my chances to get into schools like Cornell, Wesleyan, etc.</p>
<p>So, basically, does the low math score make my 2190 'weaker' than another 2190 that had a more even spread throughout the 3 sections and would it be worth retaking the SAT just to improve that one section?</p>
<p>Look at the common data set for each school for a breakdown of SAT scores. Treat each of the three as its own test. It’s a far more reliable predictor. If you are applying to engineering you will want to make sure your math score is at the 75% of admissions as they will tend to be higher.</p>
<p>The individual section scores are indeed more important than the overall score. The Math score will hurt you, but not to an unrecoverable extent.</p>
<p>Your math score is not low at all. it is actually very good, it is just lower than your reading and writing scores. most colleges aren’t going to say your math is so low since your ACT is very high. what was your score on the math section of the ACT</p>
<p>If the scores you’re applying to let you superscore (combine the best individual scores from each test) go ahead. I took it again to raise my CR score…but my other two ended up dropping…</p>
<p>It all depends, and the good news for you, this is in your favor. If you wanted to major in math or if you wanted to go to a top techie like MIT, then a significant disparity between math and reading and a drop in math might be a problem. But, since you mentioned Wesleyan, they’d be more interested in your strong reading and writing scores. Just be sure to focus on your strengths in your application.</p>
<p>Looking at the common data sets for all the schools I’m interested at confirms my suspicions. My math score remains either right at or 10-30 points below the 25th percentile for math SAT scores while my critical reading & writing sections are at or above the 75th percentile. </p>
<p>I guess I’m still a little unsure as to how much this could effect my chances of admission since my CR & W are so strong while math is, quite frankly, below these schools expectations. Does a math score below a top colleges expectations hurt you a whole lot, even when coupled with other sections which balance out your overall score? Also, as you may have been able to infer from my scores, math is most definitely NOT my main interest and I would not be applying to an engineering school/department.</p>
<p>If you really didn’t want to take the test, and your math score was at the 25th percentile while your CR & W scores were at the 75th, I’d say don’t worry about it. Since your score is below the 25-75% range given I would suggest taking it again if you want to have a competitive application.</p>
<p>This is just one persons opinion certainly, however the historical data of students admitted seems to support this.</p>
<p>With solid, steady preparation for the October test a 50pt bump is certainly achievable. If your schools superscore I wouldn’t even bother studying CR & W (simply light review). The math goes through Alg. 2 and many students are 2-3 years beyond that when they take the test. It can require decent preparation even for good math students. It depends on how important it is to you, and if you are willing to put in some time.
Best of luck!</p>
<p>Think of it this way, the colleges want, and need for rankings purposes, to maintain or raise their median scores. Taking unhooked candidates with any score below their 25th percentile will not help the do this. I would focus on raising the math score.</p>
<p>The good news is that 800CR is much more rare than 800M. With a math score in the middle of the 50th percentile the CR score will help you be more viable.</p>
<p>take the ACT in September and October…ACT composite will be sent to schools and MOST use the composite for admission, not the individual subscores (as is evident w SAT)…your obvious strength in reading/english will overshadow your math weakness using the composite…and the sci section is basically a glorified reading section…</p>
<p>take a sample test to get your timing down…you should be just fine…</p>