Help me decide which subject tests to take for the second time (really bad scores the first time!)!

Test Preparation
1

<p>I took math 2 and US history and scored pretty badly on them. Math was 59th percentile (>700 though) and US history was lol let's just not talk about it. I'm taking more subject tests in November.</p>

<p>Should I retake math? I feel like retaking something over a 700 looks bad especially if you do worse the second time, which is possible for me. I didn't study for math and had no formulas memorized but I was feeling pretty confident during the test and thought I got at least 750+. Retake math y/n?</p>

<p>I feel like I should retake US history but I'm pretty positive I will do worse and I don't have time to cram study since October is really really really busy for me (homecoming time and I'm in student government). But it's the subject most related to me major so I feel that my score reflects really badly on me. Should I still retake and try my best to study beforehand even though there's like a 10% chance I'll do better?</p>

<p>My other two options are Spanish and Literature. I think I'll take literature since English is my best subject and I had a friend who got in the 40th percentile (which is better than my US history test lol) without studying. I get better grades than her in English and I have better scores than her in the writing and reading section of the SAT along with in state standardized English tests. Do you think that this is a good indication that with some studying I'll be able to score at least 60th percentile? </p>

<p>I'm not sure about spanish. We don't focus much on grammar in my class so I've forgotten so many grammar rules and it will require a lot of reviewing on my part, which like I mentioned, I might not have time for. I'm fairly decent at spanish though.</p>

<p>So, which ones do you think I should take? I'll definitely be taking literature-- should I retake math along with that and call it a day? I only need 2, but I can take 3 and pick my best 2 (only for the schools I'm not applying early though, for early schools I have to send in my scores before I receive them). Or should I attempt US history again because it has to do with my major? Spanish also somewhat has to do with my major and I think it would look good to show that I at least have some proficiency in the language. What do you think? I want to take 3 because I feel that there will be at least 2 that I will do well in, but I feel like taking 3 would also spread me out too thin and I will just get average scores on all 3 as opposed to pretty good scores on 2. </p>

2

<p>Leave the math alone with >700. It sounds like you’ll feel most ready for Lit.</p>

3

<p>leave the math alone and go with your gut feeling. </p>

4

<p>If are willing to put forth the time to study for Math II, I think you should retake it. Considering that you didn’t study for it the first time, I’m sure you will do better. Learn a few calculator tricks and sequence formulas and I’m sure you’ll get the 750+ you expected. </p>

<p>As for US, I think you should let it be and go for Lit. For one, you don’t have to study for Lit as it banks on innate ability (mostly). This would be very useful for you because your October is very busy. Plus, improving your US score would take a lot of effort and time as well. </p>

5

<p>If you want to major in engineering or anything math related, def. retake Math II. </p>

<p>The subject tests aren’t hard (except maybe physics). They just take time to crack. The ticket to a 800 in Math II is to do the barrons book cover to cover. I retook a 730 (after McGraw Hill) and got a 800 (Barrons). </p>

<p>Also, the Barrons practice tests are a bit hard, so as long as you are getting 700-750 on those, you should be set.</p>

6

<p>So I shouldn’t retake my math? I thought 59th percentile was pretty low even though it is above 700. I am leaning towards lit. What about spanish? Should I at least try it?</p>