SAT dilemma

Test Preparation
1

<p>Hi all,</p>

<p>I took the SAT on the Dec.1 test date, and I managed to get a 2340 (800CR740M800WR). I would like to apply to top engineering schools (Caltech, MIT, Stanford, Princeton) and right now I'm wondering if I'm going to have to take the test again because of the 740 math score. </p>

<p>Should I take it again, or is it good enough?</p>

<p>If it isn't good enough, can a high score on Math level 2 override its potentially harmful impact? </p>

<p>Also, I have heard that some top schools only consider the SAT composite score and not scores on individual sections (i.e. they would look at the 2340, not its components).
Is this true?</p>

<p>Furthermore, I have heard that MIT is less concerned with high sat scores than other top colleges. Is this true?</p>

<p>I apologize if some of my questions are in the wrong discussion area.</p>

2

<p>Your scores are fine for any school. Focus on more important things.</p>

3

<p>You should be fine. Not everyone I know here has an 800. Besides, my reading and writing scores are far below yours.</p>

4

<p>Can you help me?
How did you prepare for CR and WR?</p>

5

<p>I don’t really know how to prep for CR- I just happen to be good at it, and I really don’t know what study approaches will be best for someone who needs to improve. Sorry.</p>

<p>But for writing, in my opinion the best thing to do is take the practice tests and then spend time going over them and finding out why you got certain questions wrong and others right. I find that for me at least, the most effective strategy for actually doing the problems is to check and see if they “sound right.”</p>

6

<p>Yes if you applying for 2014-2015 admission. Any test now maybe too late for 2013-2014 admission.</p>

7

<p>If you are still worried about your score, just take a big breath and think in this way.</p>

<p>All the prestigious big colleges - such as MIT, Caltech, Stanford, Princeton like you mentioned - in the nation have thousands of applicants annually and only spend 15-20 minutes to evaluate each student. </p>

<p>There is no way that the A.O’s are going to say “Oh, we are going to reject him because he has a 740 in Math section in SAT I” even when you have a 2340 in total. </p>

<p>I hope that helps. :)</p>

8

<p>Those scores are solid and won’t keep you out of anywhere. Remember that SAT scores are only a small part of your application. GPA is more important. Focus on your classes and ECs. Write some great essays - best of luck!</p>

9

<p>it might ding you a little bit, but definitely not worth retaking for - as long as your show mathematical aptitude elsewhere i think you’re good</p>

10

<p>Taking the math level 2 subject test will still help, since it should not take too long (maybe about 4 hours) to study for and get an 800.
But retaking the 2340 is probably not worth the time.</p>

11

<p>"My AP classes of 30 years ago required a lot of reading, writing, and studying. I always had a lot of homework, especially in European History and English. " - TinyT</p>

<p>Listen to TinyT!</p>

12

<p>Try to get 800 in Sat2 Math2, then no one will question about your 740 in SAT math.</p>