I took two subject tests this spring:
Biology E: 730 which is the 83rd percentile
Math 2: 750 which is the 60th percentile
I want to major in some form of engineering and I am applying to pretty selective schools. My normal sat math score is a 770 (w/ a 790 EBWR so a 1560) and I got a 5 in AP Biology.
I am applying to Johns Hopkins, Northeastern, Rice, Washu, Cornell, Drexel, UMD (in-state), GW, and Stanford as a super reach.
I am probably going to take the Math 2 one again, but for the bio, should I submit it? I honestly have forgotten a lot of the information I memorized this spring and I doubt I would do that well if I took it again, without some significant studying (which I do not have time for).
Are schools okay with receiving one subject test, or do they expect two or none. I do not think I would be prepared to take another science one until this spring (which is too late as I am a senior and am applying pretty soon). I am taking AP Chem and AP Physics C this year. Should I take the English one? Or would colleges not even care as I am applying into Engineering? I am just another stressed senior haha, any advice would be helpful.
Retake math 2 and get an 800, and then submit along with the 730 in bio. Your bio score is not bad at all, especially alongside your 5 in AP Bio.
All you need for an 800 in math is going to be 3 or 4 more correct questions, maybe even fewer. You don’t need to be perfect to get an 800 (like you almost always do to get an 800 on the SAT). You can usually get 5 to 7 wrong or even a few more omitted and still get an 800 on the math 2 subject test.
I wouldn’t bother with the English literature subject test if that is what you are asking. No one cares, especially with a 790 on the EBRW. Congrats on the strong scores, work a little on math 2 for a retake, and good luck!
The 750 is fine and an 800 will not change the 730, for a stem major.
And top holistic adcoms don’t review based on percentiles among all test takers. It’s about their applicant pool.
Some colleges ask for one stem S2 and one humanities. When applying to tippy tops, you’ve got to look at what the college’s say, understand what they look for. Not settle for generalized comments. Nor the idea it’s just about your stars or one score tops others. Or that an essay is a bandaid. Etc.
At this point, my advice is for OP to check. Saying he’s considering retaking a 750 seems a flag he’s missing some bearings. That includes what his targets do look for, stats and more.
No, it doesn’t. OP is considering engineering at a few T20 schools. A 750 on math 2 usually represents 10+ questions wrong or omitted out of a 50 question test. It tests a core competency for potential engineers, and frankly is not very difficult, as demonstrated by the median score (usually around 730ish these days) and the fact that it is the most widely taken subject test by far.
For most of those schools on the list for an engineering applicant, I’d counsel a retake of math 2. Just my opinion.
So, @lookingforward, do you know of any colleges that require or recommend a humanities subject test? I’m asking because you said there are, and my own kid only has math 2 and physics, and I told them they’re done.
On subject tests, Hopkins’ info:
“Applicants have the option of submitting SAT Subject Tests in one or more areas of interest as a way to demonstrate an academic strength, but they are not required.”
I suggest that you re-take SAT Math 2 and aim for an 800, especially for Hopkins Engineering, which among the schools that evaluate applicants holistically, seems to put more emphasis on test scores and GPAs.