<p>For SAT I, I know I can do better because I had a mild but prolonged and recurring asthma attacks during exams and I didn't want to stop answering in the middle of it. </p>
<p>For SAT II Physics, I took it because my top choice program was computer programming and they said this was almost a must, but I wasn't too confident about getting a good score. Our teacher taught us the reverse of our curriculum (supposed to start with optics and electromagnetism but started with mechanics first), so I knew just the bare minimum of the coverage and had to use common sense for the rest. I'm not confident that I can cram everything in one month, but by the test date, I'll have learned optics and waves and some electromagnetism from my training for a physics competition. </p>
<p>For SAT Math II, they said this was a must in </p>
<p>okay cc should really extend the editing period. this was supposed to be included in the body of my text but i accidentally pressed enter more than a few times</p>
<p>Applying to: MIT, NYU, Yale, Amherst, Stanford</p>
<p>Interested in (not in order):
computer programming
graphic design
psychology
games and interactive media</p>
<p>For SAT Math II
-They said it was an absolute must because of my university choices
-I was just getting familiar with my graphing calculator that time
-I really was under-prepared and did not have knowledge of the concepts behind the harder problems</p>
<p>Other SAT II tests I considered:
Chem (but i finished that course more than 6 months ago; not really confident)
World History (but not related to any of my program choices)</p>
<p>I know that even if I manage to get higher scores the second time around, the other set of scores will still be terrible. I am also aware that these scores are not competitive enough for the colleges i mentioned, but I really just want to improve my application as a whole with the time I have left. </p>
<p>Which ones should I take? I registered for the SAT I but if I must take subject tests again, I’ll change my registration. It’s expensive, but if it’s for the best…</p>
<p>for MIT - you must submit one Science subject test and one Math. If Physics is not your thing then take Bio or Chem.<br>
If you are looking at engineering, in general, the Math II is an important test to do well in (i.e. over 750). Take more practice tests or get some 1-1 tutoring via or teachers or a company (if cost is feasible for you) and bring up those scores.</p>
<p>Just to be safe, check out each school’s testing requirement and make sure you fully understand it before you submit your application so you are not scrambling later. </p>
<p>As an international struggling with finances even in her own country, I need close to full financial aid to be able to study abroad. I don’t know of any need blind safety schools that give a lot of financial aid.</p>
<p>My safeties are the schools I applied to in my country. I already passed two (one with a scholarship grant) and am expecting acceptance letters from two more universities. I really want to study abroad though because the programs I want are taught better abroad. </p>
<p>Would it be advisable to start preparing for the Chem one given that I finished the course but it’s been 6 months since I studied it?
Or switch to History even though majority of my programs aren’t related?
Or stick to Physics and build up on the knowledge I have and are studying now?</p>
<p>I wouldn’t bother. Both your SAT I and SAT II scores are too low for all the schools you have listed. Raising one section will not help you. Be happy with your entrance and scholarship in your own universities. Congrats.</p>
<p>@mnm111 Yes, new graphing calculator. It’s very uncommon for us to use graphing calculators at school, so I only had a week’s worth of practice on one (we had to scrounge up some cash before I could buy it) . I know the coverage of the tests and I studied as much as I could for both of the tests, and I’m hoping to get a better score because I’ve been studying more since the first time I took it.</p>
<p>I already spent a lot of money on the tests, calculator and travelling expense, so I might as well continue the applications. I’m getting a fee waiver, and it doesn’t hurt to try. </p>
<p>Without better SAT I scores, your chances are zero for the top schools on your list (MIT, Yale, Stanford, Amherst). Take the SAT I again, and add some lower ranked schools to your list (or risk getting shut out altogether from US colleges). You have a shot at NYU if you raise your scores, but they give terrible FA to US students, can’t imagine yours will be enough. However, I am curious about the timing. You are pretty much past the time to take them for this year’s application cycle, right?</p>
<p>You might try Dickinson as another option, and Mount Holyoke. They are both schools who welcome international students – not sure they will meet full need, but having a diverse student population is sort of a strategy for both schools. You might also try RPI or WPI.</p>
<p>No one is going to listen to an explanation for low SAT 1 scores. Everyone has an excuse for not getting a high score. I would encourage you to look at other, less selective schools that are need aware, but meet full need if you get admitted.</p>
<p>I think you should take intparent’s advice. Mount Holyoke is not need blind, but they are 100% meets-need for domestic students and are known to be quite generous for international students. I believe they also have merit aid for internationals.</p>
<p>Need-aware does not mean they are going to deny you just for needing aid. Schools like Mount Holyoke budget a large amount for aid, even for internationals.</p>
<p>You <em>really</em> need some less-selective schools on your list. </p>
<p>MIT, Yale and Stanford are <em>impossible</em> reaches for you. The rest of your choices are <em>near</em> impossible. You need to drop the excuses and focus on the facts, listening to some of the other posters here.</p>
<p>If you want to go to school in the US and have it paid for, you need to find out what schools can do this with actual admits matching your test scores.</p>