<p>Say for example student A doesn't do too well on his SAT II subject tests in Physics and Math IC and gets a sub 600 score for both, but not tooo low. But student A's physics marks in high school, AP Physics score were good and his math marks in high school were good . On top of that, student A achieved a great score, 2200+, on his SAT I Reasoning test. On top of THAT, he had good EC's which student A was passionate about, had AMAZING recommendation letters and was overall a great student. Also, student A was an international student</p>
<p>Also, Student A came across this on the Admissions blog:</p>
<p>"We do not have cutoff or recommended scores for the ACT Plus Writing, SAT Reasoning Test, or SAT Subject Tests as scores are evaluated within an applicant's context."</p>
<p>What does this imply? Please educated Student A :D</p>
<p>Would the SAT Subject test scores be detrimental to the overall student's application? Does MIT have a sort of quota where they don't admit students with sub 600 SAT Subject test scores? Would the other "positive" parts of the application be something that sort of "counters" the SAT subject test scores?</p>
<p>Thoughts and comments would be greatly appreciated :D</p>
<p>If you haven't noticed, Student A is moi =D</p>
<p>Just retake ur SAT Subject scores. You shouldn’t have a problem handling the SATs as far as contentwise, and it has such a high curve. Students at other developed nations usually have more rigorous curiculum than here, so u should be prepared. If ur score is low, than u need something else to offset that.</p>
<p>I don’t claim to know anything, in terms of admissions decisions for any school, but if I were asked to evaluate your potential based only on what you posted, unknown3, I would probably assume this: Science and math at your school may be a little subpar.</p>
<p>You were able to get A’s in those classes, but scored near-average marks on the corresponding SAT Subject tests. Perhaps you weren’t taught, or tested on, what you really needed to know for a good foundation in physics and math. I would think: That’s not your fault, but it’s still a reflection of your readiness for a demanding math and science curriculum.</p>
<p>You asked about MIT’s statement: “We do not have cutoff or recommended scores for the ACT Plus Writing, SAT Reasoning Test, or SAT Subject Tests as scores are evaluated within an applicant’s context.”</p>
<p>I think you DO understand what they’re trying to say – that SAT scores are not black and white for them; they’re taken in context of your whole experience. But maybe you want more clear-cut answers as to how YOUR subject test scores will impact your application decision. And I don’t think anybody here is going to be able to answer that. </p>
<p>Good luck, though! As so many people have said before … if you DON’T apply, there’s no way you’ll be accepted. If you think you can hack the program and really want to be there, then apply! :)</p>
<p>Thanks for the reply, SimpleLife. Makes more sense. Hopefully the admission officers see this. I know it’s wrong to blame my teachers for my lack of knowledge in the Physics department, but I fast tracked Physics 12 a year ahead (took it in semester 2 of my grade 11 year, I took physics the semester before and finished with a good mark in semester 1 and 2) and to be honest, the teacher didn’t want to be there. My AP physics mark was a 3, which I see as good, and I do have an understanding on physics concepts, it just needs some brushing up on. In truth, I really should be the one to blame, but as you said, MIT does look at the applicant’s context and I hope they see it the way I do. Thanks!</p>
<p>Exactly what I was wondering, too. I see people on CC saying “Oh, if you have an income $20,000 or lower, you have an easier chance of getting in if you have the same stats as someone else who has a $200,000+ income”… but your income isn’t indicated on your MIT app (or CommonApp for other schools). How would they know?</p>
<p>I think what idkmyname was trying to say is that there appears to be a relationship between certain socioeconomic factors and standardized test performance. Which is true. Which is also why we we don’t, as I have said before, care about who has the highest score, but rather which applicants score such that we are confident in their ability to succeed at MIT.</p>
<p>What about your AP score, did you get a 5 on that? And was it Physics C or B?
I would suggest buy an SAT Physics review book and do those problems. They really improve your scores. Your AP course is probably not on par.</p>
<p>I believe that another reason these SAT IIs exist is that they can look at the students’ levels in specific areas more justifiably. Classes at different high schools are different in rigor. I know someone who was taking Honors Chemistry and the only distinction between his class and the AP Chemistry class in his school was that the AP students did 30 more homework questions a day. So a student who gets an A in that AP Chem course might end up getting a B, or even a C, in a school that has a more intensive AP Chem course. But when both students take the SAT II Chem, a difference will be seen. </p>
<p>I suggest you retake your SAT IIs and aim for a 700+. I’m sure with a little review that you’ll do fine.</p>