Perfect 800 SAT Math but 3.0 GPA..

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

<p>Hi!</p>

<p>My son is a very bright rising senior in all gifted and AP classes but with only a 3.0 GPA. He took the SAT recently for the first time with no preparation and scored a perfect 800 in math, which I'm hoping will be a good thing for someone applying to engineering programs. His other areas weren't as high-- 720 in writing and 600 in critical reading, with a 2120 overall (though I'm not sure if these are final scores or if some sort of adjustments will be made? College Board says final scores will be available May 29... this is all new to us!) He has participated in some extracurricular and volunteer stuff, but nothing that would stand out. He is a great writer and would probably do well on any college admissions essays.</p>

<p>I am hoping you all can help us get an idea of where to go from here. A few questions: </p>

<p>Would the 800 in math for a potential engineering major help offset his low GPA a bit? I'm guessing the lower GPA would make schools like Georgia Tech, Emory, and Swarthmore extreme longshots, but I still can't help hoping he'd have a chance.... </p>

<p>What about schools like UGA? </p>

<p>There are a few other engineering possibilities here in GA-- Mercer, Georgia Southern, Southern Polytech. I really am hoping he can have some good options and we would consider schools throughout the midwestern, southeastern, and northeastern US.</p>

<p>Would it be worth his while to retake the SAT after taking an SAT prep class? If he does, do they just keep the higher overall score from the two testing dates or do they piece together the highest of each part, keeping his 800 in math even if he scores lower there the second time? </p>

<p>Any other advice on how to find and achieve the best options possible?</p>

<p>Thanks so much!</p>

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<p>Bump!</p>

<p>Thanks for any insight! :)</p>

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<p>Take a look at Rose Hulman as well.</p>

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<p>nice job on the test, the good test scores and difficult schedule will help, really encourage him to up that GPA, try taking a science and math 2 SATII, those scores could help</p>

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<p>Thanks so much for the advice, anniezz and joszacem!</p>

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<p>I think the college will see all the scores he gets but look at the best, we were told that if they do really well to not take it again. But our son did similar to yours; just went and took the tests and then used the summer to study and improve both his SAT and ACT scores. I bet your son gets another 800 on Math and improves the others. Goodluck!!</p>