Chances for an international with unfortunate SATs?

inhabited_world
Fri, 06 Nov 2009 09:48:05 +0000

SaP, you’re completely right about the SAT II in Math. For most people, this would be the best way to prove math ability to an admissions committee after the 440. For many people, as well, breaking a 600 might even be a likely possibility. I think I probably err on the side of doubt.

Math has always presented a great difficulty for me due to a mysterious inability to concentrate the way I normally would in a science or humanities course. I am able to make grades in the B+/A- range in math classes, but this is largely because my teachers are very accommodating of the longer time frames I sometimes need to finish quizzes, complete assignments, etc. I CAN do the work…it just takes me quite a bit more time than some other people seem to need. Currently, my family and I are looking into the possibility of testing for ADD/ADHD (both my father and my high-achieving sister were recently diagnosed, and they and I share many of the same learning tendencies). I said the 440 was accurate, and I meant it: this is an accurate portrait of my ability to do math under timed and tightly controlled circumstances. So I don’t think taking another standardized math test will do much to help my application, though I very much appreciate the (generally correct) advice.

Wow, Lost in trans.–I’m very impressed by your D.'s capabilities in four (five?) languages.
I definitely don’t have anything quite like THAT working in my favour, but I know my recommendations will be very strong.

I guess all I can do at this point is try…