Hi there,
I understand that when I comes to sat section scores, college admissions officers like to see well-rounded scores with high scores in both sections. If someone received a score with a 70 point difference between sections (math and reading) how much will this impact them with an overall respectable composite score? Assume this person has a strong transcript and very strong extracurriculars.
My idea of SAT score fun would be to take it twice, once getting the highest possible score, and then retaking to get the lowest possible score. Not only would it be fun, but it might also garner some attention.
Probably not the kind of attention an applicant would want.
Take a look at their CDS for the schools that interest you and see where you fall for each section. If the lower score is also at the lower end of the distribution (bottom 25% or cutoff for mid 50%), it may be a problem. You may want to retake. If it’s in the zone, it’s not really a concern. It is common for students to excel in one area over the other.
In general, the AOS are looking for you to clear a certain threshold with each of your stats.
Don’t assume, though, that if everything on your app looks great except that one subscore that it will be overlooked. So if you are describing 800 and 730, less likely to be a problem than 710 and 640. Of course, the school matters as well.
MODERATOR’S NOTE
Since this is a hypothetical, I’m moving to the less-trafficked cafe.