So I’ve taken the SAT twice–once in November, once in January–after three months of a rigorous weekly prep course. My November scores were 730-CR 620-M 800-W. January results came in today with 770-CR 600-M 800-W. Math has never been my strong suit, and I’m debating whether I should retake in March or not. My top school is Yale, with Georgetown, UPenn, and Brown in mind as well. Will Yale rebuke me for my low math scores alone, even though my CR/W scores are exceptional?
If anyone has any thoughts on this or is in a similar predicament, comment below. I’d love to talk.
(Also figured I should mention that I know SAT scores alone won’t get me into Yale. My grades, extracurriculars, and leadership involvement are all solid. But I’m still unsure about standardized testing).
I had the same issue with lopsided SAT scores- 780 CR, 670 M, 780 W. No matter how much I studied, that math score just didn’t break 700. Are you a senior? If not, I would suggest you try the ACT. A few different guidance counselors/posters have told me that the number of sections (because of the addition of a science section) can help “hide” the math section a little bit more in the composite score. I wish I had taken it, because I feel that the general consensus is that a sub-700 sat score can pretty easily put you out of the running at a top-tier school if you’re unhooked. I have no special insight into the admissions process, but if I get rejected from my reach schools, I feel that a major reason why would be the lopsided nature of my SATs. That’s just my take, though.
Yeah, your first retake just confirmed your imbalance. I doubt there’s much benefit from taking it one more time. I would endorse the view on trying the ACT. I think a lot of people say the ACT reflects more coursework/achievement rather than native math skills, so you might do better there. Also, be realistic and look at some schools outside of the ones you mentioned because they are reaches for anyone even with perfect scores.
Thanks to both of you for replying! I spoke with my guidance counselor and she gave similar advice; I’m taking a practice ACT right now (fingers crossed).
Also @Qwerty568, I’m a junior! Do you have any perspective on the science section? Will a strong CR score correlate to a strong Science score?
@spayurpets That’s what I’m thinking too. And I am applying to more realistic schools (GW, American, Northeastern), but I figured I’d list the ones where a 600 could make or break me. My list isn’t as complete as it should be, though–I’m looking to major in international relations and it’s hard to find highly ranked schools in that field that aren’t Harvard, Princeton, etc.
@trfox7 I didn’t take the ACT- it’s not very popular in my hometown and I didn’t learn about it until it was too late
From what I’ve heard, the science section involves a lot of interpreting graphs, tables, and research descriptions. If you have good critical thinking skills/can make connections easily, it shouldn’t be too hard, even if you haven’t taken a bunch of AP science classes or anything.
American, a great school for IR, is test-optional, I believe, so that could be a good option if you have a solid GPA. I think you would have a good shot at GWU, as well.
@Qwerty568 I’m rushing to sign up for this thing, haha.
I’ve been looking through ACT questions and some are actually reminiscent of the AP Bio coursework I’m taking right now. Cheers to AP sciences!
I keep reading that GPA can be a good substitute for modest standardized test scores but not vice versa. My GPA is currently a 4.0 (98.4 or something like that) and I have a 95 in honors precalc. So hopefully that will help me out when admissions sees my earlier scores.
Also, would you happen to know about UPenn’s IR ranking? They seem to be lacking from CC threads.
If you’re hooked or applying to a match school, a good gpa can minimize some issues with test scores.
If you’re unhooked (read: URM, athletic recruit, first gen college student), you’re going to need to be all-around great.
Upenn isn’t huge on IR. At this point, you also have a lot of reach schools. I would start looking for more match schools (like GW or American) and some safeties, as well.
Don’t lean too heavily on GPA overcoming standardized test scores. We all have to face the fact that the reason the tests exist is to give a “level” playing field for examining applicants. GPA seems to be very subjective.
Further, please don’t overlook the possibility that someone without the necessary background may have an inordinately hard time at an elite school. That’s why thousands of other schools are available for us mortals.
