SAT usage

If my math score is at the 75th percentile for a school but my English is at the 25th percentile, will colleges look at that or that my composite was around 50%

Many colleges look at both the composite and individual subscores. I think that the composite is weighted a bit heavier, but not by much.

I disagree. In my experience, it’s the subscores that matter. For example, 750/750/750 is better than 800/800/700, even though it’s 50 points lower when combined.

What ever information you can get is the information they use. If they provide 25%-75% for each subtest, they look at every subtest.

@marvin100 Well, that kind of depends on the school. At math-oriented schools like Harvey Mudd, a 800/800/700 might look better than 750/750/750, as long as the 800 is in Math.

Yeah, I made a mistake on the first post, and the subscores do matter more for the SAT. It is only for the ACT that the composite is weighted a bit heavier than the subscores, since many colleges evaluate the highest section scores for the SAT but only the highest composite for the ACT. That being said, there are many exceptions.

To the OP, I’m sure that the college will see your 25th percentile English score regardless of whether or not they place more importance on the subscores or composite. Most likely they’ll consider both, but a 25th percentile score isn’t something that will shine on your application. Do you think that you’ll have any opportunity to improve it?

Sure–but as you say, even in that instance it’s the subscores that matter most.