Do colleges look at the highest score in each section of the SAT or the highest combined score?

Question

I got 800 on my math section when i first took the SAT but didn't do so well on the other two. On my second time I got better score on my reading and writing but I missed a math problem. Would colleges look at my math score from the first test and the other two scores from the second test? I know for the ACT, they only look at the combined score, not as sections.

Answer 1

It depends on the college. Here in California the CSUs power score your SATs so that you can glean the top scores from multiple sittings. That's what most independent colleges do as well.

However the UC system uses the top SAT combined sitting, so you can take the SAT several times, but can only use the highest combined score from one sitting. The UC does power score the SAT II subject exams though, so you can take those tests several times and glean the best ones from multiple sittings.

Contact the admissions office at the colleges where you're applying, or just check the website. It's easy to find out.

Answer 2

You only submit one score for each section. Even if you take it more than once, YOU choose what you want to show them. You can pick your math score from your 1st test and your reading/writing from your 2nd test and combine it as one test taken. That's the great thing about SATs.

Answer 3

I'm pretty sure colleges only look at the combined score, but you'll have to check with the college.

Answer 4

It does depend heavily on the school, the state and your major. Some will look at all, but if you are going to major in nuclear physics, well nuff said. Many local colleges will look at the total score only. I would personally take it again if I wasn't sure.

Answer 5

for SAT II, they take the highest score for 3 subjects (math, english, and your choice), even if in different sittings, then add them together

for SAT I, its thte highest combined score in one sitting.