Hey guys, the reason of this thread is because I want to know if it is any difference between taking the SAT or the TOEFL for MIT
I’m an internacional student and since I didn’t have a lot time to study because of the earthquake here in Mexico, I think I did pretty bad in my today’s SAT subjects (around high 600s low 700s)…
Due to I only have one more test date in Dec I’m thinking in doing the subject tests again instead of the regular SAT, and send the TOEFL along with the subjects.
Would that look wrong or bad in my application?
Or is it going to reduce my already low chances to be accepted at MIT?
Thanks a lot for everything guys 
Have a nice day.
Hi there!
I’m very sorry to hear about your situation and how you’ve been affected by the earthquake. I hope everything is all right for you!
About the SAT and TOEFL: There are many differences. Both the combination SAT + SAT Subject Tests and TOEFL + SAT Subject Tests are accepted by MIT. The TOEFL test is an English test, which is composed of 4 sections: reading, listening, writing and speaking. The SAT, however, is composed of an English and Proof-based reading section AND a mathematics section. The SAT English is usually much more difficult than the TOEFL test, because the SAT uses a lot of nasty tricks to make you choose the wrong answer, while the TOEFL test just wants to check whether you know some ‘sophisticated’ words and can read a passage decently, as well as write coherently, listen carefully and understand what’s being said and can express your thoughts in a clear and organized way.
Because of the reasons I mentioned above, what is best for you is basically based on how good you are in mathematics and how much faith you have in your English skills. If your English is not great, but can understand the mathematical terms/language being used, you could opt to take the SAT. If your English is great, but your mathematical problem-solving skills are not, you should take the TOEFL test. Which ever one is best for you, is for you to decide.
About your low SAT Subject Tests scores: Although high SAT Subject Test scores are nice, not having them is not the end of the world. The admissions process is holistic and MIT is not out of reach, although you need to have a ‘spike’ (something you excel in and would be a ‘hook’: something that makes you you and what you’re passionate about and very good in). Try to showcase your passion for a particular subject and hope for the best, like all of us haha.
Good luck with your application!
I agree with everything @Tomas1355 suggests except one item: if your math and problem solving skills are not as strong as English skills, MIT may not be a match for you. So I don’t really think hiding a math weakness, (if that describes you, I don’t know that it does,) will work well even though MIT does accept the TOEFL instead of the SAT for an admissions exam. Freshman year at MIT requires a year of calculus, and a year of physics, for any degree program. So you have to want to study at least four heavily mathematical classes for a full year, and pass them, to make progress at MIT, even as an urban planning or architecture major. MIT also requires a semester of chemistry and biology as well as 8 humanities and social science classes, so it is a well rounded, science and math focused education. Its interesting to me that MIT does not require a math exam beyond the SAT math subject exam. Many universities are finding that the SAT is not indicative of higher level mathematical thinking. Your high school math classes do matter, the difficulty and grades you get in them, I believe.