Bad SAT Subject Test score. How bad will it affect me?

Applying to College
1

<p>I took Math II, US History and Physics. I'm generally good at mathematics so I know I did well. I took a full course of US history so I know I did well. However, I greatly overestimated my ability with physics. My schools curriculum did not go over electrical fields and energy transfer, etc.</p>

<p>I'm currently taking AP physics. I also applied to CMU. Carnegie. However, I have to send my SAT scores now but my December Subject Test scores are mandatory. I don't have score choice. Its pretty bad. I know I did poorly on the physics.</p>

<p>How can I explain this to CMU or any other college if I'm applying for Engineering? I really didn't know enough because I wasn't taught energy, wave, optics, and other stuff that were on the test. I know I can send an email to CMU addressing my physics problem. But I don't know how to begin it.</p>

<p>I've heard that the colleges look at your top two Subject Test scores and cross off the others. Is this true? What about a college that has required SAT subject Tests? I applied to Carnegie and they require physics. How can I explain for my poor performance in the best way possible? </p>

<p>I'm applying for Engineering and I know what you are thinking. I'm taking Physics AP and hopefully going over everything I need to know by the end of the year. Currently, I'm doing quite fine in AP physics, with only know kinematics.</p>

2

<p>Is there anyone else experiencing this problem?</p>

3

<p>My son’s GC assures us that schools only look at your top scores and recommend sending everything so no errors are made. A rep from Columbia spoke at his school and reiterated this - send everything; we only look at your best scores and disregard the others. Hope this is true!</p>

4

<p>I’m kind of in the same boat. I took physics in December for Columbia’s engineering school. I’m not sure how I did, but I hope it’s at least 700+.</p>