Fall Testing Conundrum

Test Preparation
1

I have taken two subject tests: Chem (Jun 2014) and Math 2 (Jun 2015). I got 770 on both of them. I messed up royally in math, and I hate the fact that I didn’t get an 800. I took Chem when I was only a sophomore, and wasn’t proficient at the time. I want to major in Chem in college, and I feel like these subject tests will be the end of me. I already signed up for the October session, and I am confident that I can make 800s (this is the only “good” score for me for these tests). However, I have heard from my college counselors and my parents that retaking my subject tests is a bad idea for these reasons:

  1. My scores are good enough already.
  2. If I retake and get lower, it will look bad.
  3. Retaking scores this “high” is bad.

I am applying ED to Harvey Mudd, which requires the Math 2 and another subject test. I am taking the ACT in the September. Should I clear up space in October for my SAT 1 (2210: 680CR/800M/730W/10E) solely JUST for my Critical Reading section (superscore and hopefully higher composite)? Or should I go big or go home and bank on 2 800s and hope to nail my ACT?

2

If I were you, I would take the SAT I in October in addition to the September ACT. In my opinion, it would be easier to increase your SAT I score than your SAT subject test scores. I agree with the three points that you mentioned in your original post. What if you end up only barely increasing your SAT II scores? Your SAT II scores now aren’t bad at all. The higher the score, the more difficult it is to increase it. By taking the SAT I again, you might surprise yourself and increase your score in all three areas. There is no guarantee that you’ll definitely receive 800s on both SAT II tests. I’d focus on the ACT and SAT I, not the SAT II.

3

Honestly, there’s not much difference between a 770 and an 800 on the SAT II. Retake the SAT I, I say.

@LionKing2398 -With all due respect, I doubt OP will surprise himself and increase his math score. The essay, however, is a crapshoot and there’s a decent chance that OP’s score will go up on a second attempt.