Low Subject Test Scores but Decent SAT scores. Is it really important?

<p>So I'm planning on retaking the SAT for a 3rd time in Jan and I'm shooting for ~2200</p>

<p>But I took the Subject Tests in December and I'm pretty sure I didn't do well (probably around the 600s). The only time I can retake them is in January, but I think retaking the regular SAT is more important. I only took them because the colleges I'm applying to requires them.</p>

<p>What do you think they'll think with a 2200, but mediocre subject tests scores? My guess is that it is not weighed as much, but I don't know really.</p>

<p>What was your SAT I score(breakdown as well), and what do you plan on majoring in?</p>

<p>If the majority of schools you are applying to require SAT II then take that, otherwise take the SAT I. Also remember that you’d be taking a new SAT new year.</p>

<p>My SAT score was 630 CR 620 Math 560 Writing, 1810 Composite
I’m planning on studying engineering, perhaps mechanical</p>

<p>Yes, since you’re going for engineering you really need that math score to go up. Like 700+.</p>

<p>I agree with post stated above… you need that math score above 700… but you said you hope for above a 2200… so im sure that means a 700+ math. Also, what university are you planning on applying to?</p>

<p>I thought the same…I studied the SAT somewhat but I can tell that I didn’t do it efficiently (I never took practice tests!) and I’m ready to give it my all this time and I believe I could do so…
The schools I plan on applying to are</p>

<p>Tufts
Columbia
NYU
BU
Princeton
Stanford
Stevens Institute of Tech</p>

<p>I know some of these are extremely reach schools with the scores I have now, but I’m confident I’ll do well this time in Jan.
I have a 4.0, decent EC’s, some leadership positions, decent letters of rec, and strong essays.
All I’m missing is the SAT, so I’ll just focus on that. I’m naturally good at math, so the 700+ in math is not something I have to worry about much.</p>

<p>Thanks so much guys!</p>

<p>Yes, the SAT is the best course of action. I wish you the best of luck.</p>

<p><a href=“HS Class of 2015 College Acceptances - High School Life - College Confidential Forums”>HS Class of 2015 College Acceptances - High School Life - College Confidential Forums;

<p>^ Post your acceptances there when you get them.</p>

<p>Again thanks so much! I’ll try my hardest, and I’ll post my results when I get them.</p>

<p>

I’m too curious. I have to ask this question. Students who are “naturally good” in math get 760-800 and you’re looking at a 620 right now. How do you expect it to go up that much?</p>

<p>And, for that matter, how do you have “strong essays” when you are holding a 560 in Writing?</p>

<p>And, you already suspect that your subject test scores will come out low, too?</p>

<p>You’re pretty much off the board for Princeton and Stanford and in the lowest quartile at a number of the others.</p>

<p>Do you have an actual plan for doing better on the SATs or just hoping for an improvement?</p>

<p>@JustOneDad‌ I’ll take you to task on the writing part. There’s a reason many schools don’t even consider that section. The writing section forces a person into a rushed environment where they have to display formulaic writing in order to get a good score; if anything, this is perhaps the most flawed part of the SAT.</p>

<p>I’ll explain it to you.</p>

<p>First of all, I got a 5 on AP Calc AB, and I didn’t find it too hard. I’mm good at math its just that the SAT is a different type of test which I was not that familiar with
Second, when I look back on the SAT, I did not take the test in the most strategic way. I made mistakes.</p>

<p>I know you are evaluating me purely on my SAT scores (which is something that no one should ever do!) and you are doing so for the sake of giving me the most realistic advice since there’s nothing else to rely on, but I (and anyone who personally knows me) can assure you that I’m capable of higher scores. </p>

<p>When I said my essays are strong, I mean it, because I have spent weeks upon end polishing them and making everything about them sound concise. </p>

<p>And for your information, no, I’m not just “hoping for improvement.” I’m not an idiot. I know what I have to do.</p>

<p>And by the way, I learned that I received a 640 on Math 2 and 660 in Physics, so pretty low as projected. </p>

<p>@Rockerr83, don’t listen to the people that will doubt your math ability just because of your SAT Math score. I have straight As in math all through high school, including Calc II, and I know I am not bad at math, but my SAT math is only a little higher than yours - something that is probably the result of a different curve. In my college calculus class I am one of the top students in the class. The SAT is simply an odd beast. I know of kids who can ace SAT math but struggle to barely pass Calc. How well do you think they will do in engineering? According to these people, they should be fine in engineering since they have a 750+ in SAT Math, right? </p>

<p>You’re probably correct about your abilities. Best of luck raising your score so that you can get into one of those schools you want. </p>

<p>I don’t know the deadlines for this, but have you tried the ACT with writing? Many schools accept those in place of SAT and SAT Subject Tests. </p>

<p>@albert69 That’s exactly correct! The SAT math is simply a different thing in and of itself…</p>

<p>And by the way, the curve was pretty brutal in the November SAT. The valedictorian at my school is a math prodigy, but scored a 720 on the math on that SAT testing date, only after getting 1 incorrect and skipping one. thats only 2 points off the raw score, which resulted in a 720! He’s taking Calc 2 as well, and is acing test after test from what I hear…</p>

<p>I would have taken it too, but due to family issues I did not get to register for classes in time at my local community college.</p>

<p>Thanks for the reassurance though! </p>

<p>@IxnayBob My guidance counselor was suggesting the same thing, but I think it’s a bit too late to dive into a completely new test. That’ would be good idea since I don’t have to show my weak subject test scores, but I think the best thing I can do is hope for the best for the regular SAT, since I am now familiar with the test and how it works. </p>

<p>@Rockerr83, I respectfully disagree. You’ve taken the SAT twice, with results that you’re unhappy with. At least take some practice ACT tests. Don’t be stubborn about this. </p>

<p>@Rockerr83, I took the Nov. SAT too, hoping to raise my math score. (Boy, what a dumb month to do that!) I had gotten a 640 on the May SAT, with 6 wrong, 3 omitted. On the Nov. SAT, I STILL got 6 wrong, but omitted none, so I had 3 more questions right than last time. My score? 650. Just 10 points for all those practice sections I had worked from the blue book getting as high as 670-710. I’m glad I took the test since my CR went up by 50 points and my Writing by 20, and I broke 2000, but still I was disappointed with my math score. I’m not applying to any top ranked schools, though I am going into aerospace engineering, so my SAT scores are more than fine, but I admire your tenacity to study harder and try again.</p>

<p>

If that’s the case, doesn’t it show you know the formula?</p>

<p>

What’s the plan?</p>