I am applying to Cornell RD, but my SAT ii’s are making me pretty nervous. I had never taken a Bio class before and self-studied in a relatively short time frame so I was not surprised with my performance. I am trying to get my Math II score 700+ for my last possible SAT testing date (since my major is math).
Math II: 670
Bio E: 650
I was not aware SAT ii’s existed (or were required for many top schools) until September of this year. I am not trying to imply that my relatively poor score should be excused, but I really am curious if these scores will be a SIGNIFICANT disadvantage.
Considerations:
-URM (mixed)
-small rural hometown
-Captivating/ unique essays
-3.91 UW GPA
-3.97 UW dual-enrollment GPA w/ 100+ credits of most rigorous math/CS courses
-SAT I: 1340 (700 Math 640 R/W)
My SAT IIs were all below 700, even after retaking them. All you can do is try to score better the next time you’re taking them, but don’t let it keep you up at night.
If you can get your counselor to mention that you’ve never taken a bio class in her letter, it may help your case. Your math 2 is very low, especially because math 2 has a very generous grading curve.
Which school are you applying to? If math isn’t a requirement try taking some other subject, same with bio. If math IS mandatory, take math 1. Math 1 really doesn’t hurt your chances in any way, unlike what most people believe. I took math 1 and got in as an engineering major.
Instead of taking SAT 2s again, I think you should try and improve your SAT 1 score, especially now that you only have one shot to improve either. SAT I is more important and weighted much more than SAT 2.
@holdencaufield007 I think I am going to stick with Math II. I believe I can get a way better score than this. Also, I am not even quite sure taking Math I would be easier for me?
The reason I am not performing well on the Math SAT ii’s is because I skipped math classes when I was younger (things that went over probability and statistics).
I have been taking advanced math courses like linear algebra and differential equations and thriving in them recently. I believe my score is simply poor because I have never dealt with some of the concepts in Math II NOT because I can not handle them. Practice is what will make the difference for me. Plus I REALLY just want to prove to colleges I can do ‘simple’ math. Otherwise they will look at my dual-enrollment grades with confusion, “How did this girl get straight A’s in Calc IV and Linear Algebra and do so terribly on basic probability?”
I also think I should try english ii. I feel like I could get a better score on that than Bio. I did not know there was an english subject test, but the practice tests for it seem pretty straight forward. Hmm, why not.
@math3matical I was accepted ED to College of Engineering, which values physics and math the most and both my SAT II scores were low, math II 730, Physics 680. From what I have been able to research, SATII scores are much less important, perhaps 5% weight of your total profile. They are there to boost your profile if you are neck and neck with another candidate or to eliminate you from a specific college if you bomb them. The high 600s aren’t great but they aren’t horrible either and don’t say “you’re a moron and don’t now the subject.” Obviously my scores could have been better but showed enough aptitude to prove I belonged in engineering. The rest of your stats are good. You have a decent shot if your essays really tell a compelling story of why you’d be a good fit. Good luck.
What school are you applying to at Cornell?
Only take English if your school doesn’t require a math and a science (engineering does require that)
Moreover, @cotopaxi is right. SAT IIs arent as important as SAT I or ACT. Definitely try improving your SAT I score over II if you have to choose one over the other.
Both cotopaxi and I have been accepted ED as engineering majors and my SAT II scores were 800 Physics, 740 Math I. Clearly, SAT II scores arent the end-all, they just know show colleges that you know subjects related to your major well.
Your SAT I score is competitive, but a 1400+ would look nicer on your application and make more of an impact than 800s on all subject tests.
@cotopaxi @holdencaufield007 So do you think it would be more beneficial for me to raise the SAT I and leave my subject tests as is? I have already taken the SAT I three times… I am not sure that it would look particularly good for me to take it again.
I wish I had taken the ACT. I did well on all the sections except science. If I had the chance to take it again I’m sure I could have raised the science score to get a 30+ superscore. Alas, the last testing date was my first try at the ACT.
I am applying to CAS.
I do think improving SAT I is a better idea since its more important than II. I’m not sure whether Cornell superscores ACTs but it definitely superscores SATs
Is 1340 your superscore?
@math3matical I’m not sure taking the SAT 1 again will improve much. Statistically it’s unlikely you’ll improve dramatically. Plus it’s kind of too late. It will look suspect if you scramble to squeeze in another SAT after the RD deadline. They may accept it, but they require you send ALL of your SATs, even your bad ones and a 4th go at it might send the wrong signal if you don’t get a great score. Focus on your story instead. Convince them in your essays that your interests match up to what they have to offer. Let them know how you will take advantage of everything they have to offer. Honestly, I think my test scores were decent but not great. I think it was my personal narrative that demonstrated I would be a good fit for their program that got me in. Don’t stress too much about it. Even perfect students academically didn’t get in ED. The odds are against everyone whether ED or RD. Just go for it. Assuming you have some good backup schools you like, the only thing you have to lose is a little time writing and the application fee. Then if you don’t get in, shrug it off and kick butt at your #2 school.
I just got accepted to a fly-in program to a school that is the same day as the last SAT testing date anyway. It looks like these will be the scores I will be sending in. All I can do is my best and trust that I will end up where I deserve to be.
Thank you everyone for the time you have put in on CC to steer me in a positive direction. I’m sure I will thrive wherever I end up!
The SAT subject tests are pretty readily gamed with prep, even more than the actual SAT. I remember doing some online Princeton Review study guide for a week, and the exact same concepts/questions were on the actual test. I got an 800 (didn’t answer every single question though).
@math3matical Let us know how it turns out.
@cotopaxi I was rejected, but all is well! I am ecstatic to have acceptances at Duke and Carnegie Mellon University! This theory nerd will live on! <:-P
@math3matical I’m sorry to hear but happy for you too. Duke and Carnegie are outstanding consolation prizes.