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Does a 640 (9 on the essay) on the Writing SAT II, hurt or help my application?

I plan on applying to several very competitive schools (some top LAC's and top 25's). Also, I did extremely well on the SAT II Chemistry and Math IIC.

I'm not taking any SAT test in October. I know, I should retake, but I'm worried that I won't improve.

By Dk92487 (Dk92487) on Monday, September 06, 2004 - 07:05 pm: Edit

whats your SAT I score?

By Chamonix (Chamonix) on Thursday, September 09, 2004 - 08:14 pm: Edit

Does anyone know (or care)? I'm just curious, because I've had people tell me that it's a good score, but after researching online, I'm thinking that it might hurt me.

Anyone? Anything? (throwing in my SAT score would just add another variable, so I'll leave it out)

By Ay_Caramba (Ay_Caramba) on Thursday, September 09, 2004 - 08:55 pm: Edit

Where are you applying exactly? within the top 25 the admission standards differ a lot. But for the top schools, 640 is definitely low. The top schools like to see at least 700s, and 750s are preferred. But again, it really depends on where you're applying. I think the reason not many people have answered is because it's impossible to tell how a 640 will affect your chances without knowing other information about you. But, in conclusion, a 640 will not help you at top schools, and it may hurt you.

By Williamzhang (Williamzhang) on Friday, September 10, 2004 - 07:41 am: Edit

If you are a foreign student, using English as your second language, a 640 is not bad. It simply not helps, but also won't hurt. In this case, what's important is SAT I. If you do that VERY well, you can sheer discard your writing score.

By Saxfreq1128 (Saxfreq1128) on Monday, September 13, 2004 - 09:11 pm: Edit

Don't fret over a 640. I've seen a kid with SAT II scores all below 650, and he got into Yale. And JHU. And Brown.

That said, he was an otherwise excellent, excellent student. Colleges are willing to overlook moderate scores if your transcript and resume shine.

Also keep in mind that a 640 is not at all a bad score. It just looks less-than-good when compared to 20,000 700-800s.

By Fendergirl (Fendergirl) on Tuesday, September 14, 2004 - 11:59 am: Edit

i think i only got like 580 on my verbal section of the regular sat - and i took it twice. of course i had a very nice math score so it balanced it out, but i still got into college

By Starryqt22 (Starryqt22) on Tuesday, September 14, 2004 - 11:25 pm: Edit

It is a realy great score! Haha you are probably researching on this forum. Don't let the people's scores on this forum put you down...

By Chamonix (Chamonix) on Sunday, September 19, 2004 - 03:15 pm: Edit

Alright, thanks for the encouragement. I've decided it will hurt me only at the top top schools, which I won't be applying to. And I'm hoping it won't hurt me at schools like Northwestern and Chicago as long as I write good essays.

By Subtrunks (Subtrunks) on Monday, September 20, 2004 - 05:31 pm: Edit

Northwestern and Chicago are top schools. Not HYPSMC-AWS but they are still tought. Don't count your chickens before the eggs hatch.

By Subtrunks (Subtrunks) on Monday, September 20, 2004 - 05:31 pm: Edit

Northwestern and Chicago are top schools. Not HYPSMC-AWS but they are still tought. Don't count your chickens before the eggs hatch.

By Chamonix (Chamonix) on Monday, September 20, 2004 - 08:14 pm: Edit

Yeah you're right, maybe I'll just sumbit the ACT (depending on whether these particular schools allow that). I didn't mean to say anything bad about Northwestern an Chicago. I understand how good they are. I was just hoping that maybe they might throw me a little slack (guess not).