Low SAT Subject Test

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Pennsylvania
1

Hi Everyone,

I receieved my SAT Subject Test scores back and got a 770 Bio M, 760 Math 2, and 580 Lit. I consider myself a STEM student (790 M on SAT 1, 36 M on ACT, A’s in math every semester, 5 on BC exam junior year) and was planning to apply to the SEAS-CAS dual degree for computer science and mathematics. However, as Penn does not allow score choice, I am worried about my Lit subject test (very frustrated that I took it, but oh well!) and was wondering the extent to which it will have an impact on admissions.

Also should I retake Math 2 (confident I can get an 800, made a bunch of bad mistakes on first attempt), or will that make me look test-obsessive?

I’m considering applying to Duke ED (Trinity for CS) because allows score choice and I wouldn’t have to report my Lit score. I am hoping to get accepted to a school ED so I won’t have to stress about college later on in the year, and I know I would be happy at either university.

What do you all think?

Thanks

2

If you feel confident that you can get your scores up, then definitely retake! It won’t hurt you.

I am not very familiar with Penn’s SEAS-CAS dual degree option, so I can’t offer any more specific advice! Best of luck!

3

Penn requests 2 Subject Tests, so they will just look at the best 2.

Personally, I think it makes you look test obsessive. I think your time would be better spent on your essays, which will be more valuable than another few points on the M2 test. If Penn, or any other school, rejected you for a 760, I truly doubt they would have accepted you with an 800.