Low Scores on Math II Subject Test

College Search & Selection
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<p>I'm a senior planning on applying ED to Stanford and then RD to Upenn, Harvey Mudd, and Cal Poly. The math II subject test is coming up, and I'm freaking out a bit in terms of scores. I've taken five practice tests in the past two days, and I haven't scored above a 630. I talked to a few other seniors who took it last spring to see what they thought. All of us have upwards of a weighted 4.0, we all scored 30+ on the ACT, we all scored 5's on the AP Calc AB exam, and none of them scored higher than 660 on the Math II subject test, despite the national average hovering around 650-690. </p>

<p>What..?</p>

<p>I'm torn between being out $60 just to not take it and not risk a low score and taking it/risking that I might only score a 600, so I had a few questions involving colleges requirements and subject tests (some are a bit fuzzy on it).</p>

<p>Stanford RECOMMENDS subject tests, and as far as I know, that means take it unless you physically can't (not doing so hurts your chances for admission). Also, our school's college counselor told us that (according to several teachers in the math department) roughly 20% of the material on the math II test has not been covered in any class that is available in our district's schools. She mentioned that, even though the Stanford site states that, "You will not be at a disadvantage if you don't take the subject tests,", a lack of subject test scores can have a big impact on admission. She also is not sure that you are required to send subject test scores if you do take them (as opposed to the ACT/SAT), but I don't want to jeopardize my chances at getting in by not submitting all my scores.</p>

<p>It would be great if someone could help me clear some of this up, thanks. </p>

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<p>What is your likely major?</p>

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<p>I’m thinking a dual major in computer science/math. If I go to Upenn, then probably computer science/cognitive science.</p>

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<p>With computer science or math as your likely major that 600 or so score is likely to be a major problem. The University of Pennsylvania requires that you report all scores, including SAT II. My recollection is that Stanford allows you to send in SAT II scores selectively.</p>

<p>That the test goes beyond what is normally taught in high school math is taken somewhat into account by the way the test is graded. You can get an 800 with a typical raw score of 43. A 600 indicates a raw score of about 21. (The numbers change somewhat from test to test).</p>

<p>My advise is that you skip the October test since it will likely do you more harm than good for the very selective colleges on your list. Consider getting a tutor and taking the test in December 2014/January 2015. Aim for a score above 730. The likely reason for your lowish score is that you have significant gaps in your math knowledge and perhaps math methodology. In general (my opinion) the questions are not “tricky”. They test knowledge and an understanding, math intuition and applying math methodology to straightforward math problems.</p>