HS senior here - Is it worth it to send in my SAT subject scores?

Applying to College
1

Hi, I’m a HS senior in the process of college apps :slight_smile: I’m EDing to Duke. I haven’t finalized my college list, but some reach schools I’ve decided on are Amherst, Middlebury, UC Berkeley/a few other UCs, and Pitzer.

Here’s my info:

Weighted Cumulative GPA: 4.09
ACT: 36
ACT Writing: 10
SAT Literature Subject Test: 730

I was initially planning to send in my ACT score with two SAT subject scores, but my counselor told me that I would be better off only sending my ACT score.

I’m planning to take the bio subject test this October, as I want to major in environmental sciences/studies in college, so I thought it might be beneficial to show my interest. My counselor has told me that I should only send my scores if they’re above my school’s “midrange”, so only if I score above 710 for bio, and 730 for literature.

Basically, I am wondering if I should retake the literature test in October to try for a higher grade, or if it isn’t worth my time. I think I have a shot of getting a higher grade, especially since I had no time to study the first time around, and I’ve gotten a 750 on a timed practice lit test before.

So, would my college admission chances be boosted by sending my subject test scores, or would it drag them down? Is it better to send one than none at all? I’m stressing out a bit right now, advice is greatly appreciated!

2

Your SAT score is not high enough so I think you should retake it in October. I don’t think it’s going to boost your chance because you got a perfect score in ACT but not a high score in literature. But check to see if the college requires SAT subject score because most o the colleges require at least two subject scores.

3

Congratulations on your ACT score! Even if your reach schools only “recommend” that you submit SAT subject tests, your peers will most likely submit theirs, so you will want to strengthen your application at these very competitive schools by re-taking any SAT Subject test where your score is below 750. If the Lit test is challenging for you, consider taking the Math II, as well as the Bio, Subject test. On the other hand, if you were able to score a 36 on the ACT Reading/Writing sub-sections, you will probably be able to achieve a higher score on the Lit test. Best of luck!

4

I’d just send your ACT. Duke asks for either the SAT and two subject tests OR the ACT with writing. There is not even a recommendation to send along SAT subject tests if you took the ACT per this website. http://admissions.duke.edu/application/checklist

IMO your time might be better spent on applications/essays than on more subject tests (unless they are required by other schools you plan to apply to if Duke ED doesn’t work out).