I completely messed up my writing section, what should I do?

Test Preparation
1

I just got my scores back for the first SAT today, and I was both happy and kind of pissed off at the same time.

720 CR
680 Math
550 Writing

Now those scores look good on the 1600 scale, I get a 1390 (which is in the upper 10% of colleges I want to apply to, because my GPA is low, 3.3 Unweighted and Weighted), but I obviously need to study more and take it again.

Now my question is this, is it worth studying any more for the test in regards to CR and Math? I’m planning on applying to places like BU and Northeastern as upper fit/lower reach schools, and my GPA is weak for those types of schools, so I need a high score on the SAT to help make up for it. (I’m taking 3 APs next year so hopefully the midterm grades will be enough to convince them to admit me, because my freshman and sophomore years were horrible). I’m aiming for at least a 610 in Writing so I can get an even 2000, which would be in about the 60th - 70th percentile at both universities. Also, is writing important to colleges at all? I’ve heard that some don’t even look at it if your essay is good.

Thanks for all of the help!

2

Im interested in knowing this also. I got similar scores, 740 math and 730 Cr and 610 writing.I know that writing is not very important, but I hope it does not hold me back from top colleges.

IF anyone could but input that would be appreciated.

3

I like to think of it like this. They look at your individual reading score, your individual math score, and your composite SAT score. Good math and reading scores dilute the effect of a bad writing score, but dont erase it. Your independent writing score will only ever be an issue if they notice a pattern in your app or if it drastically affects your composite. Incoherent/grammatically incorrect essays or being an international student whose ability to speak english is in question are both red flags that may make colleges look closer at your writing score.

4

Writing is the easiest part of the SAT to increase. Have you tried any other book besides the BB?
I would suggest the ultimate guide to SAT grammar. Practice with make you perfect. Learn the subject verb agreement, verb, noun number agreement, pronouns, adjective vs adverb, and more. For math you can try the pwnthesat math guide, I really enjoyed studying with this book.

5

I can write an essay fine (I got a 9) and I’m not an international student, it’s the grammar that screws me up. I haven’t had a difficult english teacher in three years, and grammar is something none of them really liked. (Freshman year I had a “free spirit” who didn’t teach a single grammar assignment, and on fridays we didn’t even do english stuff, we did yoga or watched movies…) I have the Barons Book, so hopefully that’ll have enough material for me, but I’ll have to look at that guide @Jr12317‌

I’m planning on going into business or engineering, so hopefully the low score won’t affect me too much, but I really need to improve :neutral_face:

6

I haven’t tried Barron’s but I know that the ultimate guide to SAT grammar is one of the best books for Grammar. Learn the rules and practice on what you make the most mistakes.

7

Thanks @Jr12317‌ I’ll learn 3 years worth of grammar in 1 month haha, the book is super helpful

8

Another school that looks at the 1600 is UChicago :slight_smile:

9

I think it’s worth mentioning that the SAT is getting rid of the writing section. If you had solid math and verbal I’d worry more about a good application essay.