<p>So, I plan to take the Physics SAT subject test in 3 days, and I'm kind of panicked about it. This is my last test and my only chance to take it before I apply to MIT and Caltech Early Action, and all of my other stats are good (4.0 UW, 35 ACT, 800 Math II). I love physics but haven't had a physics class since an introductory course sophomore year because that's the only physics class my school offers. I took an intensive calculus-based mechanics class this summer via MITx, but that doesn't help much with all of the non-mechanics topics.</p>
<p>Anyway, I bought a Barron's book and got ~740 on the diagnostic test. I figured I was in a good position, since I had a while to study and Barron's is known for being harder than the real thing. I studied the whole book for about a month (although I wasn't able to get to magnetism), and took the next practice yesterday, and scored a 730! I then wrote down all the formulas I thought I needed on ~50 flash cards and studied them and took another test today. I got a 710! The more I study, the more my scores seem to go down, and I'm not sure what to do at this point. Does anyone have any tips/advice for me? Will MIT/Caltech consider my scores in the context of my limited educational background in physics? Is my semi-freaking-out justified?</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>Basically - You’re ****ed. Your semi-freaking-out is justified.
No, MIT/Caltech will not consider your limited educational background. They only look at the score :|. I’ve been studying for SAT II physics as well and, in reality, I think you can get 750+ if you learn all the formulas by Saturday.
The curve is really good. I think you should take it and then just don’t send it if you do poorly. If you’re not applying early then you can take it again in December.
Wishing you best of luck. And no, your score isn’t getting worse because you study more. The barron’s book goes in increasing difficulty; First test has a LOT of mechanics, rest have more of the other stuff.</p>
<p>Don’t worry, MIT considers the score in the context of the test-taker… undefined is wrong.</p>
<p>Look at this page under “When to take which tests” near the bottom it says
“Many applicants do take at least one science subject test during senior year, after completing only a portion of the given course; our Admissions Committee recognizes this and judges the scores accordingly. As a general rule, however, it’s best to take a subject exam just after you’ve completed a whole course.”</p>
<p>You can also take a biology or chemistry subject test. If you have a strong background in bio or chem, you may want to consider taking one of those.</p>
<p>Btw, I got a 740 on physics so if you can score in the 700+ range and the rest of your application is strong, you should be fine (still competitive, but one fewer thing to worry about). If admitted to MIT, you’ll likely be taking 8.01/02 or a variant anyway, unless you already have credit or can ASE out of it (this seems unlikely though).</p>