Do colleges value SAT I math scores more than the other sections?

Question

I'm a returning adult student (early 30s), currently attending community college. I am preparing to transfer to university. I recently (two days ago) realized, much to my dismay, that some of the schools I want to apply to require SAT score. I've never taken the SAT ever! So, I signed up for the Jan 26 test, ordered some study guides and enrolled in the College Board's official online study program.

I took my first practice test yesterday and scored:
CR: 690
W: 630
M: 470
(1790)

I'm okay with the critical reading and writing scores, I think I can easily get them up over 700 with some studying. I'm concerned about the math. I should be able to get it up to between 500 - 600, but doubt I will get much higher. Looking at Princeton Review's report of average SAT score by college it is clear that they overwhelmingly admit students with higher math scores.

I'm a journalism major with a 3.9 gpa. Is my math score going to keep me from getting into a good college?

Answer 1

You're sure that as a transfer student SATs are required for some of these schools?

I've read it's easier to have a higher math score than critical reading score (the two portions of the new SAT that schools are working with these days...) Perhaps that's why the scores are appearing that way in the "admit" area. I know it was considered pretty unusual when both of my sons had a higher CR score than math.

I don't really know what to say except to encourage you to prep, prep and prep and try to get all of your scores up. I gather the math is actually the easiest to get up, because some of it, at least, can literally be "taught."

Answer 2

It depends on the University. Most of them will look at the major you have selected and base it off of that. Others will have requirements for each section to go along with the overall score. Best bet would be to check the websites of the schools you are looking at or email the admissions office.

Answer 3

this is actual nicely worth retaking the SAT in case you want to get right into an exact engineering/technological awareness college like CalTech, Stanford, MIT ... yet for journalism? No, you do not ought to take it back to get into Columbia or U of Missouri J-colleges. loosen up. Heck, you need to even flunk the SAT and advance right into a megastar on precise-wing communicate radio or pretend information. source: i'm a retired journalist with a son who aced the SAT and went to CalTech and Harvard.

Answer 4

colleges and universities look at everything (grades, scores, personal statements, extracurricular activities, the school you attended, the area you live in,etc.)

Answer 5

depends on how important math is to your major. they didn't even look at my math scores and I was a music major.