SAT/Subject Question

<p>Hey guys, </p>

<p>I'm applying to RPI, MIT, Brown University, University of Michigan, University of Chicago, and Carnegie Mellon University.</p>

<p>My GPA is 3.9/4.0
My rank is 12/574</p>

<p>My current SAT scores are</p>

<p>CR: 600
M: 680
W: 700</p>

<p>My current SAT subject scores are </p>

<p>Chemistry: 650
Math I: 670
Math II: 580</p>

<p>I only have one more slot to take the SAT or subject in January..</p>

<p>Which one should I retake? I think I can improve more on the SAT but how will my subject tests affect my admission?</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

<p>all your sat scores are low. </p>

<p>go for act? idk</p>

<p>Very low scores for those schools…maybe retake the SAT then and try to get it up.</p>

<p>Yeah I realize that. I went for ACT and got a 28 which isn’t good either.
What do you think I should get my SAT to?</p>

<p>I think your hopeless for those schools. I would look into some lower tier schools.</p>

<p>Even for University of Michigan? I know I can bring up my SAT score, but what do I need to raise it to?</p>

<p>For Michigan you are done – last scores it accepts are Dec tests. However, it neither requires nor recommends SAT IIs but will give them some consideration if sent. You should assume SAT (or ACT) is far more important there and your scores do make the miiddle 50% range although towards the lower end.</p>

<p>UChicago also does not require or recommend IIs but will give some consideration if sent and for it the more important test to retake would be SAT. MIT, Brown and Carnegie require them and all scores are low for them so saying which ones you should retake really does not make a difference. Note for Brown you can submit ACT in lieu of both SAT and SAT IIs so you probably want to also send it your ACT even though it is a point below it is usual middle 50% range. RPI recommends IIs but you should assume SAT (or ACT) is the more important score.</p>

<p>Now for the obvious question. Are you applying anywhere else because your list is very ambitious based on your scores and you face a real risk of rejection by all of them?</p>

<p>I was under the impression that Michigan allowed January test dates…</p>

<p>Yeah, I realize the ambition. I have applied to schools that I am guaranteed by the top 10% rule as well. I was hoping my SAT would go up with the December test, but it didn’t go according to plan.</p>

<p>Thanks</p>

<p>You could send Jan test to Mich as long as you have already sent a prior test and thus met application requirements since it allows you to update a file that is already complete and if score is received before decision is made it could be considered. However, understand with Michigan that it could make the decision fairly quickly after you apply as it applies a rolling admission process beginning in December.</p>

<p>Oh I see. Thanks drusba!</p>

<p>I got deferred from the U of Chicago with a 34 on the ACT. Maybe if you have the best essay ever written, you might get in.</p>

<p>I wouldn’t bother applying to MIT- 87.5% of the enrolled class have an SAT Math score of 700 or higher. Also, most of the people who comprise the remaining 12.5% are female and URM, which you do not seem to be (in fact, if you are indian, a high SAT math score and a high SAT in general is a MUST for schools like MIT).</p>

<p>Your rank and GPA are great though, just your test scores in general are very lackluster. Why do you want to go to tech schools like MIT, RPI, and Carnegie Mellon if you’re not that great at math? (judging from low SAT IIs)</p>

<p>cjgone: Really? Yeah, a lot of people get in with their essays.
alihaq717: That is one thing I despise about SAT. My scores don’t truly reflect me. I am just a horrible test taker. My timing always ruins me and stupid mistakes. I am actually good at math. Also for MIT and RPI, I am interested in their brain and cognitive science program. It might involve some math, but not like if I were to major in aerospace or something.</p>

<p>The “I am just a horrible test taker” doesn’t fly for math. If you want to be an engineer (I assume so since you are applying to MIT/CMU) you are going to need to improve. A lot.</p>

<p>Well, I am not planning on being an engineer. I suppose it won’t fly, but I do have high grades in all my math classes.</p>