<p>As I peruse the subject test sub-forum, I can't help but notice the sheer number of threads in which students are fretting over sub-800 scores.</p>
<p>Guess what: I know how you feel.</p>
<p>I took two subject tests, one was Math II and the other was World History. Both tests were taken in one sitting, and I never retook them.
My scores were both between 750 and 800; neither was an 800.</p>
<p>For the World History test, few people would think of retaking a 750+ score given the curve; I get this.
However, many people, who deem themselves advanced math students, would be irritated with a sub-800 Math II score, given the curve. So was I.</p>
<p>But let me tell you this: subject tests don't matter. Really! They don't matter.
Hmm... You're not convinced?
Let me convince you!</p>
<p>Here's the hidden truth behind subject scores:</p>
<ol>
<li>They make little, if any, impact on your admissions chances. Unless a school explicitly asks for a specific subject test (say Wharton asking for Math II), as long as the score is 760+ for math (730+ for almost anything else), it will not sway your admissions in any way. In other words, it is merely a check-mark.</li>
</ol>
<p>== Reason 1: Score Comparisons
- If you have a 780 in Math II, you will NOT have a leg up on a 760 Math II student.
- If you have an 800 in Math II, you will HARDLY have any leg up over a 770 Math II student. In other words, you will not be picked over that 770 Math II student because of your subject test score (it will be some other reason.)
Summary: Even for a requested subject test score (E.g. Wharton, Math II), they will merely give you a check for a certain desirable range. An 800 Math II student stands out not because of this score, but because he has shown exemplary math skills in other areas (schoolwork, awards, etc.) Likewise, an EXEMPLARY math student who gets a 760-780 Math II score will not receive ANY penalty. Furthermore, a regular student WILL NOT stand out with an 800 Math II score over a 770 Math II score.</p>
<p>== Reason 2: The Marginal Benefit of Subject Tests VS. SAT 1
- If you were to give the Subject Test and SAT1 an importance grade of 0-100 (zero sum):
SAT Subject Tests would be 10% important.
SAT 1 would be 90% important.
** I understand that for some students, the SAT subject test is taken without any preparation after one finishes one's relevant course. I am not addressing these students. I am addressing the students who have spent countless hours studying for a subject test, did not receive a perfect or near-perfect score, and want to spend more time studying and retaking it.
- Here is a harsh truth: The SAT1 WILL determine what schools you get into. When it comes to college admissions, it is LARGELY a numbers game. But this number's game is ALMOST ENTIRELY based on SAT1 scores, and hardly (if at all) based on subject test scores or AP scores.
- From MY EXPERIENCE, spending those hours preparing for the SAT1 instead of a subject test will be a BILLION TIMES more valuable. (yes, this is an uncorroborated estimation. nonetheless, it underscores my point.)</p>
<p>== Exceptions:
** Everyone loves exceptions, here are a few:
- If you have ALREADY mastered the SAT, then getting 3+ 800s is somewhat impressive.
BUT! That assumes you have already mastered the SAT1. AND EVEN THEN, that time could be spent developing extraordinary extra-curriculars, winning competitions, helping in your community.
Let's compare two students with great SAT1s (2200+). One student has (3) 800 subject test scores. The other student spent his/her time developing an extraordinary talent/activity. Which one wins the admissions game? The latter person, EVERY time.</p>
<p>Feel free to respond. I have interviewed, and talked with, numerous students about this. Although there are certain exceptions, they are most likely caused by something other than the subject test score if you look beneath the data.</p>
<p>Summary: SPEND YOUR TIME ON YOUR SAT1. COMPARED TO YOUR SAT1, YOUR SAT 2s are irrelevant. And once you have a great SAT1, get your SATII requirements out of the way in one sitting by scoring 730+ (760+ for math), and then focus on something else.</p>
<p>I hope this post helps relieve some of your stress!
I see too many people on here talking about scores between 730-790. If you fall in this camp, you should not even be on this sub-forum. Go work on something else. Go enjoy high school. A better subject test score will hardly, if at all, make a difference.</p>
<p>I wrote this thread because I wish I had known this when I was in your position.
Feel free to ask questions. I'll try my best to respond.</p>