I retook the SAT today because I wanted an 800 on math, but made (so far) 2 careless errors. One was grid-in, one was multiple choice.
Will it look fishy to top colleges if I’m a very math/science-inclined student, but only get somewhere from a 710-750 (worst case scenario) on the math section of the SAT? I got an 800 on math II and 780 on my science subject test, but subject tests obviously have a much more lenient curve.
Maybe I’m being paranoid, but I just think it’d look kind of odd if I applied to engineering schools and got low 700s on math both times I took the SAT.
Whoa there. How on earth is a 710-750 on math “worst case scenario?”.
It’s true that most colleges care about good scores, but you’re really splitting hairs here. Good math scores are important, but I feel like a anything above a 700 is acceptable. Not to mention that when you apply to an engineering school (or any college for that matter), your SAT’s are just one part of your application.
Your math SAT score is not going to be the make or break factor in your application in any way, shape, or form. It’s a combination of the work you did/effort/opportunities/all that stuff that matters.
If it helps, I’ve got a friend who had a 700 math SAT score, and was accepted into Georgia Tech’s Computer Engineering Program. He also received an ROTC scolarship.
@AtharvaLarva - I’m just terrified because a 710 (the score I received the first time I took the SAT) would put me in the bottom 25% of accepted MIT applicants: http://mitadmissions.org/apply/process/stats
(And it’s obviously not ideal to get a low 700 on the one section you always thought you’d score an 800 on.)
Thanks so much for your reply, though! I feel a bit better now…I just really hope that adcoms won’t do more than glance at my SAT score and focus on my subject test scores, grades, and ECs instead. Maybe this is just post-SAT anxiety or something. Congrats to your friend, that’s amazing!
I think that’s because people who get into MIT tend to have high SAT math scores, not because the MIT admissions people place a high emphasis on it. That’s what I read in another thread. I just took the SAT Math II today and I did really badly so I’m worrying like you.
So? That’s just MIT. However, I suggest you not look at Caltech admits, either. There are a lot of good math/science schools at which your scores might be more compatible.
@dsi411 - Never thought about it like that, thanks! Hopefully we’ll both end up okay Just wish the math curve was more forgiving…
@JustOneDad - Not applying to Caltech, but still considering MIT (with absolutely no expectations of getting accepted) – hopefully AMC/AIME stuff will convince them that the reason for my low score was because of careless errors, not because of a lack of knowledge. Thanks for your input!
ooops i failed sat math too… managed to not fall asleep tho!
uhh i think mit looks more at other math accomplishments since they understand how dumby the sat math is. just get like gold at imo (help help help) and you’ll get in. unless you’re from china. then it’ll still be very hard.
@RinTohsaka - LOL, good luck with your scores (if you’re still waiting on them)! I ended up canceling, so hopefully I’ll avoid making ten billion careless errors and actually learn how to read before October comes around…
Congrats to your friend, that’s amazing!