790-770 Math 2 Subject Test

Applying to College
1

<p>Since so many people get 800s on the Math 2 Subject Test are high 700s seen as low scores to many of the top schools (ie MIT, CalTech, CMU, Ivies...)?</p>

2

<p>An 800 on the Math II subject test only puts you at the 91st percentile (ie 9% of all test takers get 800). 790 puts you at the 89th percentile; 770 at the 84th percentile, and 750 lands you at the 79th percentile. <a href="http://www.collegeboard.com/prod_downloads/highered/ra/sat/SAT_subject_tests_percentile_ranks.pdf%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.collegeboard.com/prod_downloads/highered/ra/sat/SAT_subject_tests_percentile_ranks.pdf&lt;/a> In other words, if you score a 750, you're not even in the top 20%.</p>

<p>In comparison, a 770 on the Math portion of the standard SAT puts you at the 98th percentile. Although you could argue the populations of students who take these two tests are different, if you want to be in the top 10% on the Math II subject test, you gotta get an 800.</p>

3

<p>For those schools on your list. I think most likely a lot of kids get 800.</p>

4

<p>Really, I wouldn't get too excited about this. My son had a bad day, took Math II in 10th grade and got a 780. He didn't even realize it was a "bad" score, so he didn't bother retaking. He had 800 on SAT I and 5 on CalcBC as a junior, so maybe the 780 was "overlooked". Anyway, he was admitted to some of the schools you listed.</p>

<p>I highly doubt a 780 would keep you out of anywhere.</p>

5

<p>It's not too bad. I would definitely not retake it.</p>

6

<p>what would a 690 reflect ?</p>

7

<p>Maybe the curve is lenient because it is mostly people who are confident in their math skills who take that test. So really, the 90th percentile for Math IIC would be like 98% percentile if all people who took SAT I took the test.</p>

8

<p>i wouln't retake if you get >780
you don't NEED a 800 as these people suggest, especially for CMU. just chill. Retaking it for a 20 increase is probably not worth it, especially if you have >780 on SAT I math</p>

<p>personally I got 780 SAT I and 800 SAT II, and I can't say I'm pleased but I am at least satisfied.</p>

9

<p>The % is meaningless to adcoms -- they look at the published score, and once above a 750, even MIT realizes that you will have no problem with the work.</p>

<p>
[quote]
you could argue the populations of students who take these two tests are different...

[/quote]
</p>

<p>No need to argue: they are different populations, which is no different that those that self-select to take World History, or Lit or Physics or Bio.</p>