High SAT scores but have a very low SAT II score, is it still worth applying to Cornell?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Cornell University
1

I took 3x Subject Tests: 440 Literature, 730 Math 2, and 800 US History. Even though my Math 2 and US History are great, my Literature score is very low. With every other school I would just not send the Literature score, but Cornell requires you to send all SAT scores (including SAT II). I’m applying to something in Arts/Sciences where only 2x Subject Tests are required.

Would that 440 Literature score keep me from having any chance of admittance to Cornell (assuming everything else on my application is good)? I’m hoping because only 2x Subject Test scores are required, that they will only look at the top two scores. Otherwise I’d rather not spend the money on the expensive application fee if chances are next-to-none.

2

@acomfysofa I think that you should retake the literature test in August. I don’t think that it would keep you from getting into Cornell, but it certainly would not do you any benefits.

Also, you could ask for a rescore on the test!

3

The lit test is one of the hardest to achieve a high score. I would take them at their word and if they only require 2 subject tests, they will consider the two highest. You have two 700+ scores. If your regular SAT/ACT scores and GPA are in range, that one test shouldn’t be enough reason to reject your application.

Also Cornell superscores regular SAT/ACT which suggests that it’s the highest scores that matter.

Good luck!

4

I would only re-take literature if you are certain to get much higher score, otherwise it would just validate your low score. Literature is a hard to get a high score. I would just keep those 2 good scores for now.

5

I would not apply. Retake literature.

6

I suggest applying and not worrying about the literature score. It is obviously an aberration.

7

i just attended Cornell Arts and Sciences info session on campus. they emphasized school grades, then SAT/ACT, then SAT 2’s in that order. essays, rec, ECs followed after. I don’t think your “low” lit score will not keep you from getting accepted if everything else is strong. you could retake if you want but i am not sure if it is something you need to lose sleep over. work on your essays instead/