How to improve scores by October

Test Preparation SAT Subject Test Preparation
1

I recently received my SAT subject test scores and got:
Chemistry: 730
Mathematics Level 2: 790

I understand that these are relatively good scores, but my application is very math and science oriented (intended majors) and so I would prefer to have 800 on both subject tests considering how competitive college is getting these days. By the way I’m looking into applying to Ivy League schools.

My chemistry score shows that I have at least basic knowledge about chemistry topics. I purchased the Barrons Chemistry book and read it before taking the test. My question is: At my knowledge (730 in chemistry) how should I advance this score to an 800? Should I reread the Barrons book and retake all the tests? Should I review the Collegeboard test? Should I purchase another chemistry prep book? I know that I am capable of getting an 800, I just don’t know how. Anyone who got an 800 (many of you here in CC) please share some tips and strategies that can help me…it would be greatly appreciated.

I assume that if you retake one test you have to retake both? In any case I’m not thrilled with my math score because I’ve always been really good at math (and its my favorite subject) and I got an 800 on SAT math 1 and expecting a 5 in AP Calculus BC. So if I’m one question away from scoring an 800, how should I go about preparing for this exam? Btw I purchased the Barrons math 2 book and went through all the chapters and tests.

I think the main bummer is that there really is no way to improve your SAT subject test scores since Collegeboard won’t give back the test to review unlike for the regular SAT and the QAS option. Please someone who got an 800 in SAT math level 2 or SAT chem or both (smart-as-heck :P) guide me with your wisdom I would really appreciate it lol.

Just in case I get answers that are saying how these scores are good, I’m a sophomore and I don’t have anything else to study for so I thought this summer would be a good opportunity to study and retake the exams in October. I do’t mean to come off as some pretentious, elitist person or something. I just want to reach my full potential :).

2

Oh and I would also like to add that I got a B in both semesters for AP Chem and I’m pretty sure I did badly on the AP Chem exam. So in a sense, getting an 800 on the SAT chem test would show colleges that I’m competent in chemistry, despite my other not-so-great scores.

3

I think your Math 2 score is fine. Just lurk about the CC forums for the Ivy Leagues and you’ll see that an 800 instead of 790 in a subject test isn’t going to affect your application much. If you’re going to retake anything, retake Chemistry. Don’t try to be perfect though. Personally, I just think that you put too much pressure on yourself and might have accidentally choked yourself when you did the test. Anyway, I find Baron’s Chemistry book to be fine. Reread it a month before the test. You may also want to check out Princeton Review’s because there are certain parts about which PR is clearer. Like the, deltaT=kmi part, for example. That and PR’s practice tests are very, very accurate, as much as I hate that book, I have to admit that. I got 790 on all of PR’s tests and 790 on the real test. You may also want to check out sparknotes’ lab section and some of quizlet’s flashcards on that part if you have the time.
Also, since you mentioned that the TFCE section threw you off, important advice from a past CC user that admin refuses to let me bump again after the first time:
“Also, what I found helpful, was going down the left column of the page and ONLY reading those. Then do the right column. If any of the questions are so far True and True, then read the whole thing again and decide if it’s CE. This way you don’t get distracted.”
Credit to lolcats4.
You’ll do well. Don’t worry.