cellollollo

So my SAT scores are: 780 verbal, 610 math, and 800 writing. Obviously the math is relatively low, and I've heard too much of a difference between scores is a bad thing, because it doesn't show a good balance (is this the case?)
The schools I'm interested in most right now are Carleton College, Northwestern, and Wesleyan, and I'm almost positive I want to apply ED to Carleton.

Would it hurt me if I didn't retake the SAT? What if....I took an SAT II math test, without retaking SAT I? (as I still have yet to take any SAT IIs) And if so, which one? (I'd have to really study of course!)

If it helps to know: I have a 3.97 unweighted GPA, I've taken a challenging course load, and I think my ECs are good.

Thanks! c:

Shrinkrap

What year is this for you? Have you taken the SAT only once? Does Carlton superstore? Are you in the top 25 percent with your current stats? Do any of your schools require subject tests?

Not saying it will hurt not to, but retaking certainly has the potential to help if you are not already in the top 25 percent, have time , subject tests aren't needed, and the schools superstore.

But a subject test could be good, as it tests something different than the reasoning test.

cellollollo

I'm going into my senior year, I've taken the SAT twice, and as far as I know, Carleton does. I'm in at least the top 10%. And Carleton only recommends subject tests, two. Thanks for the reply (:

Shrinkrap

Subject test (or ACT) sound like a good idea. What's the highest level of Math you've taken?

cellollollo

Just precal, the honors class -- all A's in math in high school, and I'm taking Calc AB AP next year, which will hopefully go well tooo.

Dream4Life

Any tips on how you got an 800 hundred in writing, i constantly miss about 5-7 questions on that section. my essays range from 8-10. please help=)

cellollollo

Dream4Life, I don't really know what to tell you, I just tried to be really careful and really read all the choices to choose the least awkward one, if they all seemed pretty awkward. Just make sure everything's right like subject-verb agreement and that the pronouns match the subjects and all, and mostly just be careful.

I'm sure I'm not much help, but..maybe a little? Hopefully?

goldmind

How did you study for the reading section? What book, etc.

cellollollo

I used the Princeton Review book to study the reading section. I mostly did practice tests; I think those are the best help, once you have the basic strategies down (like on guessing and whatnot).


Anybody else have some input on the SAT question? (:

goldmind

What word list did you use?

goldmind

and it wouldn't hurt to retake, you should shoot for at least a 650 in math.

JosiahAd

Am using Princeton Review for my PSAT exam this October and there word list is amazing. (Most likely the same for SAT as well.) There is really no other word to exemplify that lol. It's truly an great book to use. Also, improving the math score would not hurt at all.

CTScoutmom

What is your proposed major? A difference in scores isn't that big a deal, particularly at that level. The difference simply shows that you have relative strengths and weaknesses. That said, if they will super score, you don't really have anything to lose.

But keep in mind, you have two testing dates coming up, in October and November. You will also be in school. Will devoting time to prepare for the SAT impact your ability to study for your classes? In order for an increase to be significant, you may need to devote a significant amount of time to the test, which might be better spent on your fall grades.

cellollollo

goldmind, I just used the word list in the book, they called it the word parade or something I think?
and hm yeah I'm going for a pretty non-math major! thanks for the help guys.