So I NEED to get 2 800s on my subject tests (at least one science one math). As someone who didn’t know a thing about chemistry 5 days before the test, I was pretty cocky when I still got 660 (in addition to that, I didn’t finish in time and left 16 blank as well). Anyway, I have been prepping for chemistry for 2 months obsessively now thinking I would definitely get 800 but sadly my score just rarely breaks 750 to 780 on practice tests. Ive done every single practice test I can get my hands on, I’ve literally ran out. Still, my score is never an 800, the curve keeps killing me. Anyway, I have one last week to prepare (no school this week btw so free completely) and I realized the curve on Physics is so much kinder. I’ve been tempted to just stop practicing chemistry and quickly do physics as you can get up to 10 wrong and still get 800. I’m taking physics this year and have an excellent understanding of the main 50% of it. Its just the smaller topics that I need to learn. Anyway, should I take time away and study for Physics and learn it now, one week before the test? Or should I use that time to continue practicing for chemistry by redoing the practice tests I’ve taken and looking for more practice tests? Also it it matters, the thing that keeps stealing points for me are the random problems that don’t really fall into a category and you just learn from long term experience. Is there a lot of those on the Physics test?
you don’t NEED 800s.
Aha I went over my head and applied to schools way out of my reach (MIT, Stanford, etc). Everything in my application is on par with what I need except for one thing, grades. I have a 3.6 overall. So these scores and my ACT are really the only things I have to redeem myself. I already got 34 on the ACT, now I kinda feel like my only chance depends on getting 800s.
Shameful bump
Once again, you don’t NEED 800s. Anything above a 700 qualifies you for admission. Looks like you’re going to score 750+, which is completely fine. If anything, should have focused on essays.
I got those out of the way before I started studying for these tests. I spent like 4 months perfecting all my applications aha. Ugh… this college process is killing me inside. But I see what you’re saying. I do remember reading an MIT article about how they look at a 750 the same way they look at an 800. I just kinda feel like my future is hanging over this test.
I have never known any physics curve to be easy. That said, you probably don’t “need” 800s. 750 is fine anyplace. Subject tests rarely top the balance if they are 750 or higher, and 800s won’t make up for other application weaknesses.
Thank you for your response. I guess I should just stick with chemistry after all and hope for the best. Have a good day!