Bad SAT Subject Test Score

I am in need of advice regarding SAT II scores and how much they affect admission at top schools. I took the Bio-M test in May and got a 710. I was extremely disappointed with this score as I did extremely well in AP Bio and spent much time studying for the test. Do you think it is worth it to retake the test? I also took Math 2 in June but felt much better about that one. My top schools include UCLA, USC, Stanford, Vanderbilt, and Columbia. I did a chance me thread a couple weeks back if you would like to see all of my stats. Also, do I really need three subject tests? I only have taken these two so far but am hesitant to take any others (I took AP Physics 1 but Physics subject test covers 1 and 2. I could take the literature test.)

Thank you for your time!

For the schools you’ve listed, 700+ is the norm for qualified applicants. I’m not sure what a 710 is percentile wise, but if its low don’t worry too much as it’s still a very high grade. If your Math 2 score is in the 700s and you have a good application all around (good GPA, SAT score, extracurriculars and reccs, etc), you’re fine with applying to most of the schools you’ve listed.

Not sure about Stanford though. They have really tight admissions standards and have been accepting less and less applications each year. Admissions rate has reached around 5%.

I can’t really say if your SAT IIs being what they are will keep you out or in from a college though because an application is much more than two scores. Check the stats for acceptees in these colleges. If you’re in the SAT II range you’re fine.