Well, I’m in a serious stalemate.
I got a 2000 on the SAT, but that was my first try with no prep. I’m sure that if I spend a month studying I can get a 2100+. But the problem is my SAT subjects scores, 650 math 2 and 680 physics. For universities like Harvard and Stanford, which the SAT subjects are “recommended” would it be better to send just the SAT or send both the SAT and subjects?
I intend to take the January SAT, so my real doubt here is should I retake the subject or the SAT?
I would say re-take the SAT, and take the SAT II during May and June. (if your college deadlines aren’t before those?)
I believe they only say recommended mostly for those who cannot afford to take them. Not sending your subject test scores when very well qualified applicants with higher sat tests are submitting perfect subject test scores will hurt you.
@bethanyD The deadline is in January
@Brakia I would totally say that it is a hardship to my family pay the SAT, in my city there are no test centers so I need to travel to another city and pay an hotel to take the SAT,
You can try explaining that to them but if they feel it isn’t justified it will hurt you
@brajia Well, that’s true, but do you think that the SAT subjects are such a big deal ? that these low scores would make my chances go to 0? considering that the rest of my application is good.
It may hurt, but I think your low sat I score may hurt you even more since the average is like a 2250, especially if you are unhooked. I read on another Thea’s that officers regard subject tests highly because they more accurate reflect potential or something like that ( not sure if it’s true) but everything matters for extremely selective schools like that so in essence it will hurt you because they are important
@brajia I really don’t know if it would be a hook, but I’m from a state in Brazil that has never sent a student to Harvard. I also have built a belt with sensors for blind people, so they could walk more freely, in addition to that some years ago I built a cellphone charger that used solar energy.
About the SAT, I think that I can score 2150 if I get some prep, but I’m not so sure of 2200+
@Jivious if I were you, I’d focus on raising my SAT to 2100+ and NOT send the subject tests. The reason not all colleges require SAT II is that it is really a supplement - you are showing colleges you are good at certain subjects. But SAT I is more essential because it tests basic skills you need at college.
You might want to ask at “what are my chances?” about that though as well, for well-informed opinions. This is an important decision, specially if you want to try at Harvard, so do ask many people about that.
jivious you were born in brazil and live in the united states or you still live in brazil?
@zobroward I still live in Brazil
are you sure that nobody from your state has attended Harvard before?
also you know there are many other awesome schools to choose from in the united states.
@zobroward Yes, I’m sure. I know, Harvard was just an example. I intend to apply to 8 universities in total.