I currently have a 1510 SAT score, and I plan to major in a stem field. However, some schools require two SAT tests. I took physics and chemistry, and I got 650 and 610 respectively. I took US history and got 660. I also took math and got 790. Since I can not take any more tests, should I give up on places like Cornell or MIT, since my science score isn’t high enough?
Also for schools that recommend two subject tests, would it be fine If i got just send math and not a science. Or would sending two be better?
Of the two schools you mentioned, MIT requires one math and one science and 2 schools within Cornell (engineering, and arts and sciences) require 2 subject tests. Your math II score is great, but physics and US history are not going to help you. No one knows if, or to what degree, the second test score might hurt your application, but you will need to send physics to MIT and Cornell engineering. If applying to Cornell arts and sciences I would send the US History test (as a science is not required). For schools that do not require or recommend subject tests I would just send the Math II results. Good luck.
@Mwfan1921 Thank you for your input. So, even for schools that recommend two I still have to send two scores? I know its recommended, but wouldn’t it look worse if I send physics. Also, since my percentile is much higher on US history and score is higher, should I plan to apply to BA computer science?
OP, I don’t know enough about your application from either a stats-based or holistic standpoint to give you a recommendation as to what to do for schools where 2 tests are recommended, but not required. Nor can I give you advice on what major to apply to at an unspecified school.
What is your guidance counselor’s recommendation? Ultimately the decision is yours, you have to evaluate the overall strength of your application without the physics test, knowing that many of your competitors (but not all) will submit two tests. If you have a strong application, you can certainly apply with just one subject test (at schools where they are ‘recommended’). No one knows the impact that submitting just one very strong test, or two tests with one relatively weak score, may or may not have on the admission decision. Good luck.
Many schools changed their “requirement” of two subject scores to a “recommended” - but the caveat is something like if it’s too costly and you can’t afford it, it’s ok not to take. That does NOT mean if you already took several subject tests and don’t like most of the results you can opt to send fewer than what they would like to see. Sorry. You should send your two best unless the school specifically asks for a math and a science - in which case you need to send a math and a science.
Whether you should give up on applying to some schools is entirely up to you. Most don’t hang their admission decision on the subject tests; on the other hand, a < 700 science is going to be a bit tougher for a school like MIT or some programs of study at Cornell. You might consider choosing a good quality backup that doesn’t require subject tests or that doesn’t necessarily specify that they’d like to see a science. The IS major at CMU/Dietrich, for instance, “recommends” a Math and one additional test - so perhaps that USH can be submitted. Or, as you suggested earlier, apply to a BA program or an elite that isn’t specifically STEM and doesn’t specifically ask for a set number or type for the subject test, and show them your excellent Math score.