<p>So I just recently decided that I want to go into Engineering, specifically Biomedical.
Some of the schools I'm applying to require a math subject test and a science subject test for Engineering undergrads, and that's where I run into trouble.
Before, all the Subject Tests I needed were one from Math/Science and one from History/English.
My scores are:
800 - Math II
730 - US History
640 - Chemistry</p>
<p>The 640 is where I run into trouble. On my SAT I I got a 2220, with an 800 in Math, 700 in CR and 720 in Writing. I got a 35 on my ACT. I'm a National Merit Semifinalist, and have a 4 and two 5s on the AP tests I've taken so far.</p>
<p>My current curriculum is very rigorous (All AP or college courses) and I'm in the top 5% of my high school with a 3.944 GPA, unweighted.</p>
<p>Anyways, I'm really worried about having to send that 640 Chemistry score, because there's no way for me to retake the SAT before applying to these schools. I'm trying to adjust my schedule so that I can potentially take the December SAT but I'm not sure.</p>
<p>Do you guys think that the 640 in Chemistry would take away from my application enough for me to be rejected from high ranking engineering schools? (I'm applying to Cornell, Carnegie Mellon, Northwestern, Wash U in St. Louis, and Johns Hopkins)</p>
<p>When did you last take Chemistry? Would there be time to take it again or take Physics or Bio? My son got into Wash U Engineering with a 680 Physics SAT Subject test. I think you will be okay if the rest of your application is strong.</p>
<p>I took it in Spring, and unfortunately there is a national debate tournament which I’m required to attend (since I’m on Varsity) on the December test date for the SATs.
Since the applications are due in early January, that would be my last chance, and I’m not very confident that I’ll be able to get out of the Debate commitment…</p>
<p>I’d try to get out of the debate commitment. At this stage what is more important to you and your future? I’m not suggesting a 640 would necessarily be fatal but it doesn’t help your chance of admission to schools of the caliber you are looking at.</p>
<p>Also, have you checked the deadline dates for taking Subject Tests for those schools? Sometimes the deadlines for receiving the SAT I and SAT II differ.</p>
<p>If all else fails, will it hurt me to write a statement in the Common App’s “Additional Information” section about how I don’t think that test score reflects my true abilities?</p>
<p>I don’t know what to do at this point, hopefully everything works out!</p>
<p>Don’t skip the national debate tournament for a retake! Congrats on getting there–it takes a lot of talent and hard work, and it’s a very highly regarded EC. Competing at nationals will give you an additional national achievement to report.</p>
<p>Don’t talk about your disappointing performance on one test. Your high GPA on rigorous coursework suggests you will have top notch grades in not only Chem, but also Bio, Phyics, etc. You will self-report your AP scores–perhaps one of those 4/5’s is in Chem?</p>
<p>All of your other stats are extremely strong. You are a particularly appealing candidate because you are more well-rounded than many science candidates. </p>
<p>We can assume you will have a strong science rec–if that teacher hasn’t written yet, talk with him/her about a strategy for weaving in your solid conceptual grasp of advanced chem concepts. You’re obviously a good writer–make your essays shine. In any discussion of your biomed eng passion, consider whether you can naturally drop something chem-related that contributes to the big picture of you as being well-prepared for your chosen field of academic pursuit.</p>
<p>Visit with your GC about other ideas, including exercising Score Choice to withhold that score from any of your colleges that don’t require “all scores.” </p>
<p>Your fate will never boil down to one subject test score!</p>
<p>If you feel you need to retake and the January test date is too late for a college that requires a science SAT II, consider whether you could retake standby in November. </p>