Retake SAT, focus on Subject Tests or neither?

Applying to College
1

<p>Hi guys,
I'm a non-native English speaker (live in Switzerland, Dutch parents, learnt English through a babysitter and later through series, internet and reading). I'd really love to study in America but to leave my country and a couple of very, very good colleges (EPFL/EPFZ, both in the WORLD top 10 ranking in technology...), I would only want to go to a top university here. So I know it's far fetched, it's not easy, but I wanted to give it a go. I'm talking about MIT, CalTech, Stanford & Princeton. It's just not worth it for me to leave otherwise IMO. Not that other colleges are not worthy, just that I've got a couple of great ones over here.</p>

<p>Anyways. I just got my SAT scores back. It was my first ever sitting (as a non native). I studied since January more or less, not too much, but enough, finishing 8 practice tests and a prep book in writing, and a bit of vocabulary.
I got my results from the May tests:
2190 total. 730 Reading, 700 Math and 760 Writing. To be honest I was disappointed because I had 80/80 MC in writing but I got an 8 essay.
And I was disappointed with my maths too because I really thought I aced it, and was expecting it as my highest section. Still, I am pretty happy about the overall results.
Furthermore, I am taking 2 subject tests on the 7th of June. Math 2 and Physics. I am not really confident on Physics because I've been self-studying over 65% of the content (we only saw more or less 30% of the content in school...).
For Math 2 I am scoring around the 630 mark on Barron's tests, but I only started practicing 2 weeks ago and I feel I can get close to the 700 mark -- which would get me a way better result on the real test.</p>

<p>ANYWAY: all this talking to ask: is it really worth it taking the SAT again? I know the math is on the low side but if I manage to get a good score (750+) on the Subject Test, would it still penalize me?
And what is a kind of minimum result I should aim for on the physics test?
And last question: being an international student, how will they consider my Swiss "GPA"? Will I have to convert it?</p>

<p>I have pretty strong EC, have done lots of things, national level sports, stuff for my school, businesses, earned money on the internet through websites I've made, and so on. I could get good recommandation letters I think. My Swiss "GPA" is very high here (5.7/6, best average in my school). I also speak 5 languages (Dutch, French, German, English & Spanish).
So I'm wondering how much the SAT really count and if a 2190 total score in one sitting would penalize me a lot for a top university.</p>

<p>Thanks a lot for your help, as I'm a bit lost here.</p>

<p>Thanks !</p>

2

<p>Oh and I would also like to ask: to translate recommandation letters, what is the best way to go?
Thanks for the help.</p>

3

<p>I would retake the SAT; 700 math is low for the most selective math-and-science-oriented universities in the United States. MIT has no shortage of applicants with perfect math scores.</p>

<p>You also got screwed over on the writing. :confused: That’s lame of them to curve it like that.</p>

4

<p>Thanks for the answer.
Yeah, I get your point. But I’m afraid I won’t get a better score in writing or reading for example. But most of the universities I listed (I think 3 out of 4) superscore, so it would still be worth it if I got a higher math score, right?</p>

<p>I’ll wait for my Subject Tests results first and think about it.</p>

<p>Any other input for the other questions and this one of course?
Thanks !</p>

5

<p>Your writing and reading are fine for those schools. Your math would be fine if you were just applying to schools like Yale, Harvard, or Columbia. However, you’re applying to some pretty heavy science/math schools (Stanford, MIT, Caltech). If you can get a 750+ on the Math 2, I wouldn’t retake the SAT again as that will be enough to show you mastered the material.</p>

6

<p>Ah, I see. I was kind of expecting that. Thanks for the answer. So let’s say: if I get 750+ on Math 2 not worth the hustle. If I get less than 750 definitely worth it.</p>

<p>Sounds good! Thanks a lot…
Any other info about my other question regarding my grades, the translation & the physics test?</p>

7

<p>It depends how close to a 750, if it’s a 740, I wouldn’t worry about it either. However, if it’s a 720, then I wouldn’t take the subject test again as that’s a great score and won’t keep you out, but it won’t make up for the Math SAT score (whereas the 740-750ish would).</p>

<p>These schools are the best in the world. They definitely will have experience with the grading system of Sweden so I wouldn’t worry. And your GC/teacher recommendations can put your grades into context (the whole point of ranking).</p>

<p>Also, note that your 700 math score isn’t bad. It’s fairly good and I would still apply to all these schools as it’s in the score range. But a higher score never hurts (or a high SAT 2).
I wish you the best of luck, please ask if you have anymore questions.
It looks like next year is going to be an extremely stressful and competitive year for the both of us!</p>

8

<p>Regarding translations, this is what Dartmouth says, which I think is the best way to go.</p>

<p>

</p>

9

<p>xFire: thank you so much for the answer. Great! So I’m aiming for that 750 now… We will see !</p>

<p>And you’re right about the grading system. I can indeed ask for ranking from my school too, as I’m in the top3 of my school.
Thanks for the info and good luck to you too next year !</p>

<p>@skieurope‌ Ah I see. That sounds fair enough. Thanks !</p>

<p>Any other info regarding the Physics test? What kind of minimum score should I be looking at – or better said, at what score is retaking it worth it?</p>

<p>Thanks so much.</p>

10

<p>On physics, especially for schools like MIT and Caltech, you should aim for a 750. If you get a little lower its not that big of a deal…a 700 won’t keep you out, but you want to be as competitive as possible. </p>

11

<p>Just saw the answer. thanks for that. I’m practicing right now, let’s hope for the best!</p>

12

<p>Since you speak all these languages, pick one for your 3rd SAT Subject and score an easy 800 (they’re tested at CEF A2 so… no review necessary). Breadth will be appreciated.
Add HarveyMudd to your list, another top feeder to the Silicon Valley with CalTech and Stanford, and the only one to require calculus before your can even apply (more is common).
Are you guaranteed a spot at EPFL and EPFZ?</p>