So I basically have a 730 on Biology E from June 2017 and a 720 on Math 2 from June 2019. My conventional thinking on subject tests was that if they are above a 700, they show academic competence, and indicate that the student will be academically competitive with the applicants and the students at the college. Having 2 competent Subject scores means I should be set (set as in check the box during admissions review) for most all schools in the country, correct? Please let me know if this is correct, as I can opt to take an additional test in August as it is my last test date before apps go in.
Just for reference, I am interested in applying to UMich and UNC as my top 2, but also Cornell, Columbia, UVa, BU, Northeastern, SUNY Binghamton, etc.
I cannot speak with authority on this, but I have read here on CC that the number to shoot for as ‘Just fine’ is 750. You are aiming for some pretty selective schools, many which expect to receive subject tests from most applicants. They will likely be receiving higher scores from many of their applicants. So while I don’t think your scores will get your app sent to the ‘no’ pile right away, they won’t put you on top of the the pile for the next round, either. I think most here will tell you only to retake if it won’t interfere with other important things you need for your applications, like the essays or taking rigorous classes next year. But if it is retaking Vs. Playing video games all day, I would suggest a retake.
What major will you be applying for? Those are 83rd and 50th percentiles.
I wouldn’t put them as “yep, very good” at MIT/Stanford/etc as a STEM major - they’d actually be relatively low.
For Michigan/UNC, I’d say they’re fine - not outstanding but not overly concerning. Maybe a bit low at Cornell and Columbia, fine or above expectations for the others.
If you were going to re-take one, it should be Math 2.
@cypresspat @RichInPitt thank you for this information. Would it be better to retake my Math 2 exam in hopes of attaining a better score, or opt for a third exam like US History? Best case in each, let’s say I get a 760. So would it be more attractive to have a 730, 720, and 760 (taking US) or having a 730 and 760 (taking Math 2). Thanks for the help.
The only thing I have that is interfering with my retaking is applications, AP Coursework, and my job, but I can set those back to focus on an exam as it is my last test date before applications.
FYI - Michigan doesn’t require subject tests https://admissions.umich.edu/apply/freshmen-applicants/requirements-deadlines
Go through your list and see who requires what and go from there. Making an excel spreadsheet helps.
Also since you didn’t share your current unweighted grades and Act /Sat scores it’s really kinda hard for anyone to tell you what to study for. Schools are going to weight your GPA and Stats scores higher then your subject scores which are fine. If I had to improve the Act over the subject score I would do that first. Make sense?
So an example Michigan just came out with their new scores.
https://admissions.umich.edu/apply/freshmen-applicants/student-profile
3.9 unweighted with 32 - 35 Act. Engineering is slightly higher 3.93 /34
That would be what I would concentrate on first VS a subject tests.
I think because you just took math
@Knowsstuff @cypresspat I have a 1450 SAT and a 95.3 GPA unweighted with the hardest strength of schedule possible at my school. It makes me feel comfortable that I am solid in both of those areas, and can now divert focus to Subject Tests. Now focusing on subject tests, would there be one (US vs. Math 2) you recommend I take in August?
What major are you looking to apply for. A STEM major should certainly focus on Math 2 over US History. Others majors may have different expectations.
fwiw, 1450 is below the middle of Michigan’s 25-75% admitted student profile, and I suspect the same for Cornell and Columbia, so you may to include that in the mix.
Depends on your intended major, but Math 2 seems to be a standard one to send if you do well. FWIW, my s20 said it was far more and advanced math than on the SAT I, but would be best to take after all pre-calc math was taken. He took it a year ‘late’ but is a math kid so he did well.