<p>I wonder how much SAT IIs count in top 20 national universities' admissions process. Do they weigh the same as SAT I's, less, or more?
Suppose there are two people.</p>
<p>< A ></p>
<p>SAT I: CR 800 / Math 800 / Writing 800
SAT II: Math 1C 650 / Chem 650 / Phys 650</p>
<p>< B ></p>
<p>SAT I: CR 650 / Math 650 / Writing 650
SAT II: Math2C 800 / Chem 800 / Phys 800</p>
<p>Which applicant do you think has a better chance?</p>
<p>I'd go with B. Especially if applying to a science/engineering school.</p>
<p>Atleast you could put a spin on the 2nd one that is favourable.
-SAT I Math compensated by II = B is good at Math
-Critical Readig 650 isnt all that bad even for top tier school. It can hurt but its not a deal breaker
-The writing section doesnt carry much weight JUST as yet. Its new. Some universities dont even look at it. SOme dont care about teh essay potinon. and they are still trying to interpret it really.</p>
<p>On the other hand...If you have low subjects you are not good at subjects. Anyone can do speed = distance/time but only above average students know about motional EMF or series and sequences. The more you specialize the more it tells them. You cant be an idiot on the SAT I. But if you are not very good on the SAT II's a perfect 2400 on the SAT I may not count for as much. Means you are very good at average diffuculty </p>
<p>*In practice though I doubt this happens a lot. People who are good at one tend to be good at the other as well.</p>
<p>they show the admissions officers how well you do in comparison to others. I doubt it's compared to the SAT I as much as it is to your grades...ie</p>
<p>Student 1:
Grades at bad hs: 99 Precalc, 100 Bio, 98 Lit, 99 USH
SAT II: 540 MIIC, 520 Bio, 600 Lit, 590 USH</p>
<p>Student 2:
Grades at really good, but unknown public hs: 85 Precalc, 92 bio, 90 Lit, 87 USH
SAT II: 800 MIIC, 780 Bio, 780 Lit, 750 USH</p>
<p>It just verifies that your courseload is as hard as it's supposed to be.
I think it's obvious that a college would rather want Student 2</p>