My best scores on the SAT are
Writing: 650
Math: 550
Critical reading: 740
(Act 29 but I’m not sure if I’m submitting that or not)
Over all I’m generally okay with my combine score of 1940. But the huge difference between my math and reading really concerns me. Schools that have an average math scores of 550 are not near a critical reading score of 740 and vice versa. Right now (as an upcoming senior) I’m looking at schools like Miami (Ohio), Ohio state, Penn State, university of Florida, UConn, and maybe BC. It really worries me when I look at those schools average SAT scores and my combined score is pretty competitive but then my math is so much lower while my critical reading is somewhat above. I’ve taken the SAT three times now. My scores have been pretty consistent, all my math scores have been in the 500s, writing in the 600s, and CR in the 700s. I’ve been advised not to take the test more than three times but would it be worth it to try again in the fall? Will my math score ruin my chances of admission??
(Also I have pretty good extra curriculars, a great to teacher planning on writing my rec letter, and I’m working with a tutor on my essay right now so my main concern is that really low math score.)
Because much of the ACT relies much on critical reading, I’d advise you take the September ACT. A 29 = 1940 so you can only improve from that. If the results aren’t 30-31, don’t submit your ACT and only submit your SAT scores.
I think your ACT math score might be better than your SAT math score. By using the percentiles a 25 is similar to a 620. I think you should study real hard this summer on math and other subsections, take the ACT in Sept. If your composite score is higher use the ACT and send it to colleges.
I have a similar problem too. My scores as far are like cr 550 and math 750 . Dude please share your story about how to cross that border of 700 in cr. Did you cram up the vocab list or you are a vocab master. What do you suggest for passage questions. I will write about the maths section later dude.
The difference between the scores won’t hurt you, but the math score being a bit low in and of itself might. For the schools you are considering these scores are competitive overall. If you could get your math over 600 that would be nice as being above the 25th %ile is preferable. Still, I know plenty of people with scores around yours that got into some of these institutions.
Of course, that assumes your GPA, course rigor and everything else is at or above the range these schools like to see.
I was in the opposite boat. 800 math 650 CR. Ended up giving just the ACT- worked up to a 32 reading but settled for 35 math. Study hard at math and you’ll be alright
