<p>Hi, I recently received a VERY mediocre score for the French Reading SAT II - a 610. Given the caliber of the schools to which I have applied/will apply, I feel fairly uncomfortable with this score. </p>
<p>The deal is this: I am a strong French student and have never struggled with my course work at school (my french class is considered to be one of the most difficult classes at my high school, for what it's worth). However, the emphasis is on grammar; vocabulary is not stressed to the same degree. I feel that this put me at a great disadvantage. </p>
<p>Is this consideration worth noting in my application? I don't want to come across as "whiny," but I don't feel that my SAT II score is a fair reflection of my knowledge/ability. I'd really appreciate you guys' input!</p>
<p>how about you enter a french essay contest? or take the french national exam? if you really are legit good at french, you should be able to get an award or two.</p>
<p>heh, i've already placed 5th in my state on le grand concours...</p>
<p>good enough, i'd say. consider retaking if the schools accept it?</p>
<p>Retake it. However, make sure you score considerably higher. Then you can blame a bad day. The curve in language tests is pretty bad because you are competing with many native speakers.</p>
<p>I sympathize with you because that's how English was taught in my native country. You could read and pronounce very well, but didn't understand a word of what you read (even less under time pressure).</p>
<p>the only way to make up for your bad score is to retake it.. then it won't be a problem..</p>
<p>i appreciate everyone's input, but unfortunately, retaking the test isn't an option due to scheduling conflicts...</p>
<p>do you think i should explain the circumstances on my application? or will my excuse not be taken seriously?</p>
<p>It'll be worse than not taken seriously. When they review your application the excuse will be what will stick to their mind. Do you want to call this much attention to this particular portion of your application? If it bothers you this much I would make every effort to retake and make sure you do score better. You'll be a lot happier.</p>