We got our PSAT scores back today. I'm a bit concerned about my math score which was a 47 (470 on SAT). Are my other scores of a 61 (610) in writing and a 70 (700) in reading good enough to offset this, along a 4.2 GPA and leadership positions in three clubs?
According to this site, the average SAT score is about 1500 -- so your score is almost 300 above that.
http://collegeapps.about.com/od/sat/f/goodsatscore.htm
Whether a 470 is "good enough" depends on your intended major and the school you want to attend.
The sum of the three was 178, the average is 147 for the Selection Index. Your Score Plus you received also gave your ranking in percentiles, review that.
Your GPA is of little importance, as is the leadership positions.
What is important for college applications is class ranking, and your transcript indicating what courses you took, and outside school, activities in which you contributed to the community, which helps answer the question: what has he/she done for others.
To assess whether your other scores and achievements can offset your lower math score on the PSAT, you'll need to understand the scoring system and how colleges may evaluate your application.
First, let's clarify the scoring range for PSAT and SAT. The PSAT score range is from 320 to 1520, while the SAT score range is from 400 to 1600. The PSAT scores are on a different scale compared to the SAT scores.
In terms of evaluating your scores, colleges typically consider a holistic approach, taking into account multiple factors. While the significance of each factor varies among colleges, they generally consider your GPA, standardized test scores, extracurricular activities, and leadership positions.
A 4.2 GPA is generally considered strong and can be seen as a positive factor in your application. However, it's important to note that GPA standards can differ among high schools, so colleges will also consider the competitiveness of your school.
Regarding your PSAT scores, a math score of 47 may be a concern, as it corresponds to a SAT score of 470, which is relatively low. However, the significance of PSAT scores in college admissions is relatively lower than that of SAT or ACT scores.
Your writing score of 61 (corresponding to a 610 SAT score) and reading score of 70 (corresponding to a 700 SAT score) are relatively more competitive. These scores indicate strong abilities in reading and writing, which can be valuable in many academic disciplines.
Extracurricular activities and leadership positions in three clubs are positive achievements that demonstrate your involvement and commitment outside of academics. These experiences can highlight your leadership, teamwork, and time management skills.
Ultimately, while your math score may be a concern, your strong performance in reading and writing, along with a high GPA and leadership positions, can help offset it. It's important to keep in mind that college admissions committees consider multiple factors, and a holistic view of your application will be taken. Consider taking additional steps to strengthen your math skills if you plan to pursue a field that places a high emphasis on quantitative abilities.