SAT -does score really matter once it's >1500?

[Anonymous]

What are your thoughts?
My kid has a 1530/790 math. Has applied to study data science or sociology.
Grades and extracurriculars are very strong.
Would a 1530 vs a 1550 or 1560 matter?
Debating taking the SAT one last time for regular decision apps.

[Anonymous]

For engineering, math 800 is preferred

[Anonymous]

Not likely to matter. Ours retook a 1520 but only because he wanted a STEM path and his math was way lower than his practice tests.

[Anonymous]

OP here. This is for schools ranked 10-30 or so. (Not Ivies, MIT) but those just below.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:For engineering, math 800 is preferred

Yes, straight As and a 1600 is preferred but the difference between 790 and 800 math will not move the needle on admissions.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:For engineering, math 800 is preferred

no. No one is getting rejected because “only” a 790 math. not even from MIT or CalTech

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:For engineering, math 800 is preferred

Why do engineering schools care about the math on the SAT? It's not calculus.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For engineering, math 800 is preferred

Yes, straight As and a 1600 is preferred but the difference between 790 and 800 math will not move the needle on admissions.

This is just not correct.

[Anonymous]

I think >1500 is good for any school, but it can matter.

But I think when you reach your level - above 1520 and 780+ in area of interest - getting better won't matter.

[Anonymous]

OP here--this is NOT for engineering. mostly applying for sociology. Data science for 1 or 2 schools.

[Anonymous]

I think for Ivies/Duke/Vandy it matters. Probably better to be up by 1550.

The rest, including Michigan, UVA, Georgetown, 1500+ is not likely to move needle

Unless you are applying for something like Comp Sci or engineering, in which case math needs to be 750+ for sure.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What are your thoughts?
My kid has a 1530/790 math. Has applied to study data science or sociology.
Grades and extracurriculars are very strong.
Would a 1530 vs a 1550 or 1560 matter?
Debating taking the SAT one last time for regular decision apps.

You missed the rigor part. Rigor and grades are going to be more important than the 1530.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What are your thoughts?
My kid has a 1530/790 math. Has applied to study data science or sociology.
Grades and extracurriculars are very strong.
Would a 1530 vs a 1550 or 1560 matter?
Debating taking the SAT one last time for regular decision apps.

IMO, nope. 1520+ is normally the "cut off" for making it to the next round (give or take) And since Data Science---kid already has a 790 Math, so very strong. I'd focus on strong essays and just letting the kid relax.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For engineering, math 800 is preferred

Yes, straight As and a 1600 is preferred but the difference between 790 and 800 math will not move the needle on admissions.

+1000

If STEM and T25 desired, then you need 780+ on Math. Once you get the 780, I don't think it really matters.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For engineering, math 800 is preferred

Why do engineering schools care about the math on the SAT? It's not calculus.

Because engineering is rigorous and math centric. So if you can only get 740 on the MATH, you may not be ideal candidate for engineering at a T25 school (or top engineering program). Sure you might be fine, but it's not that difficult for a good math student to get 760/780+