780 in Math level 2. Retake?

Applying to College
1

Hiii! I’m a senior in my second year of the IBDP. I got a 780 in Math Level 2 and I’m not sure if I should re-take it or not? I also have a 780 in SAT 1 Math. I want to apply for econ and therefore I’m considering re-taking it in October so that I can get an 800 because I was sick the day I got my 780 so I’m pretty sure I can improve my score.

However, after reading up online and speaking to a few people, I’ve heard that it will make a marginal difference.

Should I retake it? Please keep in mind that I’m an international student.

Thank you :slight_smile:

2

750 or above should look fine. Don’t submit Math 1 subject test score tho.

3

Your score is fine. Focus on strengthening other areas of your application.

4

Why would you subject yourself to that? What does that mean, you missed like one question? Please.

5

Don’t retake, spend your time on more interesting aspects of your application.

6

It depends on where you intend to apply. 780 on Math 2 is likely not good enough for Caltech, for instance.

7

What about 780 for a female who will be in 11th grade?

8

Your 780 is fine; your application outcomes will not be determined by a 780 vs. 800. Don’t retake and congratulations on your strong score!

9

@Muad_dib nah, he/she didn’t miss one question to get 780 when it is Math II. There are about 50 questions, and you get an 800 still with about five questions (give or take) wrong due to a curve every exam. I think she got six questions wrong, give or take. So getting one wrong is equivalent to getting about five wrong. Starting six (it varies btw every time) questions wrong, you get around 780.

10

If you don’t get into a school, it won’t be because of the 780 on the Math II (anything above a 750 means you passed the bar and you can move on). There is no reason to retake. Please focus on other aspects of your application. Good luck.

11

Also, I think 780 is good enough. As outcast said, 750 or higher is considered high enough among elite schools. Besides, SAT Math II only covers up to precalc, so if you have gotten a solid score on AP Calc AB/BC exam, that will make up for it. But if you are really worried, and if you TRULY can make it up in the next try, then why not give it a try once more?

IYDK: If you are applying to Ivy League, then you might have to take two SAT subject tests (3 of them requires, others strongly recommend).

blog. prepscholar. com/sat-subject-test-scores-for-the-ivy-league

There is currently no Economics SAT subject test, so I recommend you to take one that you are best at.

12

Look up the stats for the schools that you are interested in. As I mentioned, 780 is probably not good enough for Caltech. Here’s proof:

http://www.admissions.caltech.edu/content/class-profile

“SAT Math Level 2 middle 50% range: 800–800”

The top STEM schools are going to expect a very high Math Level 2 score. If you are not aiming for schools in that niche, then the other posters are probably right.

13

There is no need to retake a 780. Please focus on more important things. If you don’t get in, it will NOT be due to a 780. Panicking about a super high score is pointless.

14

SAT, SATII and ACT scores are like tallness in NBA. You need to be pretty tall to make the NBA roster, but beyond that point, tallness makes no difference. Just as someone 7’ tall isn’t necessarily a better player than someone 6’ 6" (remember one M. Jordan?), scoring 800 isn’t any better than someone scoring 780 as far adcoms are concerned. Colleges know that there’s NO correlation between high test scores and success, for which reason they decided to go “holistic” in admissions approach.

15

@TiggerDad What a great analogy!

16

I stole it from Malcolm Gladwell’s book, “Outliers,” lol. :slight_smile:

17

@HardOREasy I also have a 760 in English Lit and am planning on taking Spanish in October.
@outcast I meant 780 in SAT1 Math, not Math level 1

18

The OP has two CC threads going on this topic. As on the other thread, I don’t paint with such a broad brush.

  1. The OP has not declared what universities he/she is interested in.
  2. For some universities, 780 is not at all a stellar score on the Math Level 2.
  3. International applicants often have lower admission chances and, hence, must shine brightly.
  4. The OP could call the admissions offices and simply ask their advice about retaking the test.
  5. Subject tests are only an hour long, so retaking the test should not be that big of a deal.
19

MODERATOR’S NOTE:

Not anymore; I’ve merged them

And a 780 is a great score; no need to retake.

20

780 is fine, even for Math II and top universities.