S25 just returned from a tour of MIT…he had previously dropped it from his list worrying his test scores just aren’t good enough, but after a friend invited him to tag along for a tour, S25 is now absolutely interested in applying.
That being said, his ACT/SAT scores are on the lower end of MIT’s range. He’s not sure if he should submit his SAT, his ACT or both (is that even a good idea?).
Test scores look like this:
ACT superscore from two test dates: 34 (36 math, 32 science, 36 English, 32 reading). BUT, his individual test score both times was 33 (one was 36/32/36/29, and the other one was 35/31/35/32).
DSAT - 1520 overall (770 English/750 Math).
He probably won’t test again because these scores are above what he needs for everything else. His prospective major is math (he’s interested in Applied Math), and he is worried that the SAT score especially doesn’t look good for a math major because the math is lower than the English. He has a lot of other great qualities and experiences that I think could make him an amazing student at MIT, but SAT/ACT type testing is really not his best strength.
He’s got a great balanced list of schools to apply for overall, and understands that MIT is a long shot. So we’re trying not to overthink this, but he is still feeling unsure about what to go with since he does need to make a decision and test optional is no longer an option here.
I would submit the SAT scores and then stop worrying. As long as he understands that it’s a longshot (for everyone) and has other schools on the list he’s excited about, I don’t think there’s a downside here. Presumably he has other things on his application to show his strength in math…
If he feels like he has to take his shot that’s fine but also understand that the 25th percentile at MIT is 800. When we were going through recruiting the coach wanted to see at least a 770 for consideration.
Yes - he is in an advanced math program for high schoolers run by our state flagship university. He will have six semesters of proof-heavy college level math by the time he graduates, and should have an outstanding letter of rec. from any of the professors he has had in that program (based on the end of semester comments he has received). He’s also done some math extracurriculars, though he is not as much of a math contest guy.
We know it’s a true long shot. He would have been a great candidate for test optional had that still been a thing! I think he would be super happy at all the other schools on his list, he just wants to throw his hat in the ring and give it a try. I think he would regret later not at least giving it a shot.
Another vote to submit both scores. I think the 36 math sub score on the ACT helps even though the overall is lower than the MIT average, and the SAT composite is stronger overall.
As long as your child knows it’s a long shot, has a balanced list with other schools that excited him, try not to have him stress over these kinds of decisions. Theses are solid scores for the vast majority of schools.
I’d be tempted just to submit the ACTs. Who knows but those are very strong Math and English scores both times. The Science and Reading scores are not as great, but that is really two (four?) windows on to the same issue as Science is basically also a reading test. Apparently your kid does not quite click with the way the ACT tests reading, but I for one would be willing to dismiss that as a serious issue for a college student who otherwise did well in their reading classes.
Some schools state they will use the test that best helps you - so you might ask the admissions counselor if they do that.
In that case, it would make sense to submit both regardless.
In this case, and this is the 22/23 CDS, the SAT 25th percentile was 1520 with a 790 math and the ACT had a 35/36 25/75 - so the SAT is in range…just not subject wise.
The ACT is not in range - so I’d think to go with SAT.
But with both, they do see the 36 math.
But I would ask them - if they will only use the one of best benefit. This won’t be the first time they are asked so they’ll have an answer.
If they do (or say they do), then it’s an easy decision - send both and let them decide.
He tried sending them an email to ask and they were essentially non-committal. It sounded like a very boilerplate reply about how admissions is holistic, they look at more than just test scores, etc. They didn’t really answer as to whether they would look at “the best” of both types of test scores or not.
Are others finding their “math” kids not scoring what would be expected on the DSAT? I know a 750 is a very very excellent score, but I feel like I am hearing this scenario more frequently than with the paper.
“math” kids have always had a range of scores on standardized tests-- the mean is higher than the general population, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be a range.
One hurried answer-- just a calculation error- without time to check is going to hurt a high score more than it would a score at the national mean. Which is why colleges say they are holistic even though kids apparently still believe it’s a “rack and stack” system. And it’s why I believe they ARE holistic. The score is one element.
I’d just submit the ACT as a math major. They’ll give less weight to the reading score.
It’s good that he doesn’t want to put too much hope/weight to a reach school, but the tests are probably biggest bang for your buck timewise — a few hours of practice and the three hours of the test might be worth it so he could get the SAT math into their range. Sorry you’re getting a full gamut of opinions here!
MIT’s GIR (general institute requirements, i.e. writing and humanities courses) are no joke. I don’t think it’s accurate to state that their adcoms gives less weight to non-math or science classes…
I expected there to be a variety of opinions…I’m going to report it like a “poll” after people have stopped replying (how many people said ACT/SAT/BOTH) and ultimately he can decide.
Another issue about testing again is that the August/October/November SAT dates all conflict with extracurricular competitions. He is not eager to miss any of the few competitions in either of his fall activities (debate and mountain biking) for a “chance” at scoring higher, which may not be the thing that would get him in anyway. I think he might feel differently about it if he needed a higher score for other schools or guaranteed merit at one of his top schools or something like that.