I’m a sophomore in a Top 100 college town (a technical institute, actually) applying to a regional STEM magnet school, and they say they want PSAT scores in the 90th percentile or above. I’m using PrepScholar as my reference. My CR/W is 720 99th percentile, but my math score is 600 - in the 88th percentile!
I admit, my math skills aren’t the best, and I was always more interested in English and History growing up, but recently (as I read about the applications of origami in 8th grade, then in freshman year when I took an engineering class) I’ve looked into some STEM topics and I really like it. Currently, I’m in Algebra II Honors. Unfortunately, the best math students are already in Trig/Precalc and a handful (every single one of them the kid of at least one college professor) are taking AB Calc, and one taking an introductory Multivariable Calculus class at the college (took BC last year, the highest math offered).
I’ve tried cold calling (or cold emailing) a specific college in hopes of landing an engineering related internship, but I’ve received no reply even though the academic calendar on their site said classes began 3 days ago. I’m very busy, and while I think I could take the SAT soon, I don’t know I can study, do well, and get the scores in time for the admissions officers to see. While we are technically allowed to attach a separate sheet and therefore have room for a full out essay, I doubt they’ll want to read it since there isn’t room for much on the application itself.
How do I explain to them that my math percentile isn’t representative of my newfound interest? My GPA is terrible right now (~3.2), I know I can pull up all of them except one (French III), so should I just try to strengthen other aspects of my application?
Oh my gosh, I just realized that I posted this to the wrong forum. Sorry! Still, answers are appreciated!
You are only a sophomore, there is no need to worry. Try to get better at your math by practicing more this year. You still have a chance of taking the PSAT again as a junior, so work hard and improve your math score.
Seriously, you have a reading/writing score of 720? My reading/writing score is a 680, and I am a junior!
@axlethetraveller , I am applying to a regional magnet school who admits people as a junior. I canmt retake the PSAT obviously so I need to explain this on my application. And yes, my CR/W is actually 720 - English is by far my best subject.
For a little more background, I did minimal prep for the PSAT. I promised myself I woukd study, but kept putting it off. Ultimately, I ended up doing a couple questions in conjunction with a few friends in both sections, and watched several videos from Khan Academy on CR/W the morning of the test.
“I’ve tried cold calling (or cold emailing) a specific college in hopes of landing an engineering related internship, but I’ve received no reply even though the academic calendar on their site said classes began 3 days ago.”
I’m confused. Is this a college program for high school students? Or why do you expect the college staff would be assisting you with a program for their students? Usually a college career office is for their students, not the general public.
“I’m very busy, and while I think I could take the SAT soon, I don’t know I can study, do well”
Agreed, that didn’t go too well the last time around. SAT math is a little more advanced so there is no reason to think you will do better and you don’t have much time to prepare. Though quite honestly, if you are now so interested in math and in attending this program, I’m not sure why you didn’t bother to prepare for the admissions test.
" While we are technically allowed to attach a separate sheet and therefore have room for a full out essay, I doubt they’ll want to read it since there isn’t room for much on the application itself." I don’t know why you are dismissing this. This is where you should discuss your situation. I don’t think there is much else you can do at this point.
Also, you are applying to a STEM school, so they must have high math and science requirements. Honestly speaking, your test results show that you a not really a “math” person. If it is me, I would apply to like a liberal arts program instead. Take no offence from my comments