I screwed up on my SAT, I have to apply soon, is there any point in taking it again in December?

Question

I got 1800 on my SAT. I didn't practiced at all, didn't even heard of the SAT before, English is not my native language and I have been in an American high school for about 3 months. I got 700 on the math part and 540-560 on the English parts.

The university I want to apply to requires a minimum score of 1650 and an essay sub-score of 8 (out of 12), but I got 6 on the essay!

Is it worth it to send my application now and send them my December SAT score once I get it or they won't consider my application if I send it now and I am basically screwed?

Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

Yes, take it again. Your score will show some improvement just because you have a better idea of what to expect now, and it'll only go up from there if you study. You may also want to look into something called the TOEFL - Test of English as a Foreign Language - which will help offset the gap between your math and verbal scores.

As for whether you should apply now or wait until you have your new scores, check with the admissions office of the school you're interested in. My guess is that if you let them know in the "additional information" section of the application that you're taking the test again, they'll wait to see your new scores before deciding.

Answer 2

yes, go ahead and apply. when you retake the test (or part of it), if you get a higher score, they will take it. send a letter explaining why you have not enclosed the SAT score or send the score and explain that you plan to retake all or part of it. they won't hold it against you for trying to improve.