<p>I got my subject tests today, and they were as follows:</p>
<p>Math II: 800
Physics: 800
French: 580</p>
<p>You may have noticed the massive difference between math and physics, and French. Here's the thing - I was getting around 730 on practice tests for French and I think my score drop may have been due to bubbling issues on the test. I had a feeling that I might have accidentally bubbled all of my answers one question behind after skipping a question, but because I wasn't sure I didn't want to cancel my scores (since math and physics went fine).</p>
<p>What makes matters more complicated is that I'm getting a recommendation from my FRENCH teacher (and math teacher)! It'll be a joke to them for my French teacher to be talking about my ability when I got such a rubbish score in the subject test.</p>
<p>How do I explain to Harvard that the French score doesn't actually reflect my ability? I don't want to whine and make excuses because that will make me seem immature, but having a 150 point drop from my practice paper (from the collegeboard book) means that something must've gone wrong. I'm getting a remark, but if it stays the same, how will I handle the situation?</p>
<p>I've been predicted 7s in Math, Physics and French at IB. The combination of these scores make my predictions questionable. Can I retake in January? Will Harvard accept January scores?</p>
<p>Thanks for the reply. The problem is that I’ve already signed up for the December date to take the SAT I (retaking a 2190). Even putting myself up for standby testing now wouldn’t guarantee that I could retake French in December.</p>
<p>I’m basically prioritizing my SAT I retake. Is this a good move?</p>
<p>EDIT: BTW, is it necessary to get a note from my teacher saying that the score isn’t reflective of my ability, or is it sufficient/convincing enough to report the issue myself?</p>
<p>i know you might not want to hear this, but maybe it might not be a bubbling error. practice tests for SAT II french are generally known to be MUCH easier than the actual exam (especially the listening), and the grading isn’t always precise. i took the SAT II french test with listening in November as well, and i studied with 2 different prep books and i felt really confident because i was scoring 780s+. i took the test and found it much harder. i scored a 740, i think fortunately, probably due to my AP French classwork + luck haha. i’ve heard people do a lot worse on the actual exam as compared to practice tests as well…</p>
<p>on the other hand, hopefully it is a bubbling error! it might very well be too considering your 800s! congrats! :)</p>
<p>serendipityyy thanks for the response. I genuinely had a feeling about bubbling issues, but you’re right in that I can’t be certain whether or not my score is legit.</p>
<p>However, what worries me most is that I’m getting a rec from my French teacher… I know it’ll be a great rec because I’ve known the teacher for many years, but will the 580 almost negate anything laudatory that is said in my recommendation?</p>
<p>I’ve had 6s and 7s throughout high school for French (all 4 years) on a scale of 1-7 (like IB). Will the university be able to assume that something might have gone wrong, whether it was me or the marking, when I took the test?</p>
<p>I wouldn’t beat myself up over this. I’m guessing you’re from Canada. I am too, and took French with Listening this past sitting, and ended up with a 650. I have a 95 in my class. I’m doing better than the two Quebecois kids who just moved to town. I know how you feel. </p>
<p>I think you should retake your SAT next week, and retake your French test in January. Pick up a study guide and sign yourself up. I checked: Harvard does take the January scores. Prepare, prepare, prepare, and good luck.</p>
<p>Haha thanks for the encouragement. I’m actually from Italy (but I’ve got quite a few Canadian friends if that makes any difference).</p>
<p>I’ve borrowed the AP French book from the school and have been running through that. Luckily the January SAT is a few weeks after my IB mocks, so I’ll have some time to really get down and study.</p>