I took my SAT in November and got a 2250 (CR 740, W 800, M 710)
I know that the SAT is not the only factor when colleges look at applicants, but I was wondering if my math score could possibly let me down when applying to Ivy leagues (I am not applying for anything math or science related).
I do think it would be possible for me to do better but at the same time, I am taking SAT subject tests and other non-SAT exams (I don’t go to an American school) and wouldn’t want to waste time if it isn’t necessary. Would a 710 in math put me at a disadvantage when applying to ivy league?
I don’t think it would put you at a disadvantage especially given you other scores, which are fantastic obviously. The only thing I would throw out there to you is, what were your Math scores on the practice tests that you took? In other words, is 710 on par with what you were scoring? If you were scoring 750-800 on every practice test (realistic ones, properly timed) then you have good reason to believe that you definitely would score higher on a future test. It still doesn’t mean that it is necessary, but part of the equation should be how realistic a higher score would be because if you retake 2 more times and still don’t score higher or score only a tad higher then it is probably not worth it.
I wasn’t scoring 710 on the practice tests (more around 750-800) so I was a bit surprised. I was just wondering whether it was worth investing time and studying for another SAT but I think I’ll focus on my subject tests now and retake it eventually if I have the time.Do universities look at the SAT score holistically?
Thanks a bunch for your help!
Yeah, I mean there is definitely nothing wrong with not retaking and your scores are already fantastic so I think you are fine. The fact that you were scoring higher suggests that you very well COULD do better if you retook, but sometimes it just doesn’t happen. The actual test conditions are usually very different from those simulated when taking practice tests so often that is a big factor. And with Math the curve is so harsh that even someone who can consistently get 800 on Math on practice tests could just have a bad outing, make some careless mistakes, and maybe get stumped on 1 or 2 questions and end up at 700. So I think you have a good plan, but if you ever have the itch to retake at least there is reason to believe that you may score higher on Math (although obviously the other scores may come down so for any school that doesn’t superscore that would then be an issue as well!).
You would not be sorry to have higher scores, and if you think you can do better and are shooting high in terms of schools, I would say to retake. High scores can help offset other weaknesses in your application. If you are international, then absolutely I would say retake.
