[andrzejpw]

Well, I got my SAT 2 scores today. All pretty good, except for one: Math IIC

700 Writing, 770 Chemistry, 680 Math IIC. I knew I should have taken it last year, when I finished precalculus.

So, I'm asking: how likely is it that the poor math score will affect my prospects for college? I'm looking at some top tier schools (MIT, CMU). I'm still #1 in my class with a 4.0 GPA. Will colleges realize that the year in Calculus has tempered my skills in trig and precalc(though I realize, that's no excuse)?

 

[usc goose]

hope i don't dispirit you but i got an 800 on the math2c, you know what percentile that is? 92nd. 8% of people get a perfect score on that thing? that's insane. totally messes up the rest of the distribution. when i went to caltech to preview i didn't meet one person who didn't get an 800. but then again you are #1 in the class. i'm sure that'll help a lot. you have time to take it again?

 

[andrzejpw]

Yes, I do. If I want, I can retake it in the fall. But I fear that with more calculus, my other background will continue to decay.

 

[usc goose]

i took mine while in ap calc ab. math is a foundational thing you know? you'll be fine. get the barron's guide for sat2c (brown book about an inch thick). study all the formulae in the back, it's about 8 pages or so. memorize and understand those pages though. good stuff. that's how i got my 800.

good luck playa.

 

[andrzejpw]

ah crap, can a mod move this to the lounge? I guess I wasn't thinking right. :-/

 

[usc goose]

ah... it all makes sense now.

sat2 amplifiers. that would be scary.

 

[terrymx]

i thought you said sars

 

[dhwilkin]

Quote:

usc goose said... sat2 amplifiers. that would be scary.

That's what I was hoping for when I clicked on this thread. I was disappointed.

 

[Jacobh]

Jst take it again and do some refresher work before hand. MIT always talks about how they look for well-rounded students and deny so many kids with perfect SAT scores each year. One test score won't kill you, but if you think with a little practice you'll do better, then definitely take it again.

Just remember, with the schools you are talking about, sometimes it comes down to luck whether or not you get in. Lots of applicants have good test scores and everyone can't get in.

Good luck.

 

[davidmiya]

Don't fret about the SATII's and SATI's because they aren't weighted as heavily as grades and the overall difficulty of your courses. For example, people from my school have gotten into MIT with less than perfect SAT scores but have taken BC Calc, Physics C, and some other AP science in their senior year. Although that's an insane schedule, it's possible if you study a lot. Of course, I think an 800 in math is a given if you're that smart to begin with...

Of course, it depends what school you go to as well. If you're No.1 in your class, then there really isn't anyone for colleges to compare you up against when you apply. However, we usually get about 10 people going to MIT/CIT/Harvey Mudd every year so, it's a different story here.

My point being, standardized tests help to get you in but are not the "be all and end all."

And if it makes you feel any better: my SATII's

Math IIc: 640
Writing: 690
Biology M: 790

 

[vwap]

Well, if it's any consolation at all.. I didn't take any of them, I'm going to a fairly good college, and I'm still doing poorly

 

[usc goose]

you call that consolation?

 

[DanG]

I hate to rain on the parade, but if you want to go to MIT, I don't think 680 will cut it.

Don't worry, though -- it's an easy test as long as you prepare adequately. Get a good fake test book. The Princeton Review books are always too easy and don't prepare you for the real thing. Get the book that has real SAT2 tests in it that's published by the College Board. Get the Princeton Review if you want to stay safe and have a couple extra tests to take. Review your basic algebra2 and pre-calc skills and take it in the fall.

I never took a full-year pre-calc course as it's mostly a rehash of algebra2 -- I just studied a couple weeks the summer after sophomore year and took a placement test to skip into calculus. I took the Math2C in the fall and did fine -- because I was ready for the material after having taken several tests (I did do the PR tests as well). Remember that you can skip 6-8 questions and still get an 800 on the test. And remember to stay calm!

Good luck!

 

[Zanth]

When I went to MIT (grad school) they were more interested in what I could think vs. my gpa. Yes the high gpa helped, but in the end recommendations from professors, GRE scores and my thesis proposal are really what did it.

 

[Born2bwire]

MIT is a tough school to get into and I don't think they'll scrutinize your standardized test scores as much as others. And what's with all you weirdo's doing writing? UGH...

I had: Math IIC: 800
Physics : 800
American History : 790 (DAMN!)

But still didn't get into MIT. Fact is, kids getting 1500's on their SAT's and being top 10% are the median of who are accepted. I remember that MIT also takes two essays and an interview in addition to the transcripts and what not. I would suggest seeing what ways make you unique as a student and point those out maybe in the personal essay and/or the interview. Taking it again won't hurt, they'll only be looking at your highest scores. Hell, I took the SAT's in 6th, 8th, 9th, and 10th grades (settled on the 10th Grade score, 6th and 8th were some special Midwest Talent crap or something). It's annoying to keep retaking them but it can only help.