Help on whether to send SAT Subject Test scores

Test Preparation
1

<p>Hi, I'm having some difficulty deciding whether to send my subject test scores to colleges that don't necessarily require them.</p>

<p>Here are my BEST scores in all subject tests I've attempted.</p>

<p>Math 1 - 690
Math 2 - 610
Physics - 580
Literature - 740</p>

<p>Here are other testing scores for comparison- I'll talk more about them in a moment. I've taken the SAT and the ACT exactly once each, with absolutely no preparation for either.</p>

<p>Here are my normal SAT scores.</p>

<p>Reading - 800
Math - 640
Writing - 670</p>

<p>Also, ACT scores. </p>

<p>Composite - 31
English - 35
Math - 27
Reading - 36
Science - 26
English/Writing - 31
Essay Score - 8</p>

<p>OK, now a little more about me. I'm not looking for chances here, so I'm specifically not mentioning any schools I'm applying to. I just want to know, in light of my other scores and the grades on my transcript, would it help me to send subject test scores to colleges, if subject test scores are optional?</p>

<p>I want to major in Computer Engineering. Now, you're looking at my English/Reading scores, and then you're looking at my Math/Science scores, and you're probably thinking I'm crazy- totally wrong area of study. Well, computer engineering is what I REALLY want to do. I have an internship at a software company, have started my own technology company, and make a bunch of money on the side as a personal computer consultant and web developer. Its what I love- in practice, I'm very good at it, but in testing, it doesn't show to well.</p>

<p>I have excellent grades in math- upper 90's early in high school, 101 in honors pre-cal my Junior year, and a 93 in Trig the fall semester of senior year from a local college where I'm doing dual-credit work. I'm registered for Calculus 1 this Spring at the college, and anticipate doing quite well.</p>

<p>Anyway, back to my question. (I'm resisting the urge here to explain why the different scores are low, but I'll stick to the point. I'll provide more info if you want it.) I'm thinking of sending the literature score and the math 1 score to several colleges that recommend, but don't require, subject tests. </p>

<p>Is this a good idea? Will it help me or will it hurt me?</p>

<p>Thanks a lot.</p>

2

<p>Only send the literature and send your SAT which is better than your ACT.</p>

3

<p>I’d go ahead and send both Math 1 and Literature. Some schools say they only look at the top one or two scores that they think will help you the most and if that’s the case go ahead and send all your scores from CB, without using score choice.
And, the curiosity is killing me…what is your explanation for the apparent imbalance in your reading/math scores :p? I know plenty of people with similar imbalances but most have the same one-sided aspect in everything, not just test scores.</p>

4

<p>cjgone:
As far as sending just the literature goes, I’ve thought of that, but most schools 1) say that they “recommended” 2 subject tests, though they’re not required. No one says what they’d think of receiving just one. 2) I thought it might look weird that the only score an engineering applicant submits is a literature test. ugh…tough to decide.</p>

<p>cjester:
Well…I’m not really sure. I can tell you that I enjoy reading a whole lot, just for fun, while working math problems & the like isn’t what I do with my spare time. The other thing is, I go to a liberal arts private school- there is WAY more focus or reading and writing, rather than math and science. Its a problem I was discussing with my classmates rather recently, in fact.</p>

<p>I kinda feel the same way- I’d like to send both. The thing that holds me up is this: a 690 in Math 1 is the 77th percentile, according to 2009 College Board data. A 640 on the math section of the SAT is the 83rd percentile. So, you see how submitting the Math 1 score <em>could</em> be construed as a “lower” score? What do you think?</p>