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Hey all,

does Amherst take the highest verbal and highest math for the SAT or the highest average? i took the SAT 3 times..scores are as follows:
dec 2001: 590v 790m
dec 2003: 610v 680m (screwed this up...)
jan 2004: 650v 730m

any idea how'll Amherst evaluate my scores?

By Nervousmom (Nervousmom) on Monday, September 06, 2004 - 08:48 pm: Edit

They generally focus on the highest of each, so 650, 790.

Don't want to sound mean but a college like Amherst may question why 3 years ago your math score was so high, but has fallen throughout your high school years. They will have access to all of your scores, and they are a bit low for Amherst unless you have something else significant to bring to the table.

I don't know this for sure, but would expect that they would also wonder why one would test so many times. I believe they like to think you have prepared well enough that you can give it your best go your first or second try. More than that and they may worry you're a compulsive test taker. Sorry if this is harsh.

Good luck to you. I'm sure you will end up someplace great. Where else are you applying?

By Sparkle (Sparkle) on Tuesday, September 07, 2004 - 07:43 am: Edit

hi Nerv, thanks for your reply.
i'm also applying to wesleyan, colgate, carleton and williams. where are u applying to?

By Virginia12345 (Virginia12345) on Friday, September 10, 2004 - 01:55 pm: Edit

show that you love something in your app. also grades are the moooost important

By Subtrunks (Subtrunks) on Monday, September 20, 2004 - 04:34 pm: Edit

yeah ..you are top ten percent of class
you will always have a solid chance unless you go below a 1300

By Chrisy (Chrisy) on Tuesday, September 21, 2004 - 09:15 pm: Edit

1400+ is safer.

By Sparkle (Sparkle) on Saturday, September 25, 2004 - 10:12 pm: Edit

thank you for all your feedback...
by the way, what's the mean SAT II scores for Amherst?
my scores are as follows:
mathIIc: 790
physics: 730
writing: 630
i've only taken once, and i'm wondering whether to push up my physics and writing scores...any advice? is it ok to go ahead with these scores?

By Wallflower (Wallflower) on Tuesday, September 28, 2004 - 05:24 am: Edit

I wouldn't worry about the physics so much. Just bring up your writing to 750+ (Amherst is a very verbal place) and try to bring up your SAT I to 1500+. Those scores are pretty common here so even if you acheive them, you still need to find something that differentiates you from the pack and highlight it in your essay.