<p>So, I decided to re-take the SATs because my standardized test scores are not up to par with the rest of my application. I have a 2010 on the SAT 1 and 700 USH, 620 Lit, and 610 Bio M (I know, they're all cringe worthy). However, I don't know if I should re-take the SAT 1, or retake the SAT subject tests. </p>
<p>My scores are really lousy except for USH because each time I took the test I was under a lot of stress from non-academic sources and could not concentrate properly. I am confident that I will improve my scores this time around. I am applying to Georgetown, UPenn, NYU, Cornell, Columbia, Johns Hopkins, Villanova, George Washington, Fordham, and a few local safeties. </p>
<p>Would either one be more beneficial? (I was thinking the SAT 1 would be more important but I'm not sure). Or do they carry the same weight considering the schools I'm applying to?</p>
<p>Some schools do not even require subject tests. Some require them but specifically ask ofr at least one to be in Math. Strongly suggest you look at requirements for schools where you’re applying and make a list of what they require. Also, some schools may give automatic scholarships at certain score levels (maybe just looking at CR+M)). I would tend to go for stronger SAT 1 because a really high score might set you up for good money at some of your safeties, where chances are SAT2 don’t help at all. But it really depends on specific schools.</p>
<p>Thanks. I already know my requirements for each school. I was just wondering since most of the schools I’m applying to require subject tests would it be better to re-take the subject tests or to retake the SAT 1.</p>
<p>Upenn, Cornell and Columbia require two subject tests and if you submit more they use the highest two. You are on the low side for both SAT and at least one subject test at all three of those. Thus, improving either side of the equation would be an improvement but still leave you with a weakness on the other side. Since you cannot raise both sides of the test equation, it really does not matter which you take because you are not likely to greatly improve your chances regardless of which tests you take.</p>
<p>NYU requires either SAT or three SAT subject tests (or ACT or three APs). One of subject tests must be a math or science and one literature or humanities. You have the required thee but the scores are low on two. Your SAT score is actually within its usual middle 50% although towards the lower part of that. Understand those are two separate evaluations. if you have SAT it is used to evaluate admission; if you have three subject tests those are used; if you submit both SAT and three subject tests they will use either the SAT or the three subject tests whichever they believe is the better for you. Thus, improving SAT or subject tests would equally result in increasing your chances.</p>
<p>Georgetown strongly recommends but does not require three SAT subject tests. Your SAT is in the middle 50% but likely on the lowest part of that (it uses only math and CR section so it is difficult to tell what your real SAT is for Georgetown). For Hopkins, three subject tests are also optional and your SAT is in lower side of the middle 50% range. With both of those, improving SAT would appear to be more important.</p>
<p>George Washington recommends but does not require two subject tests. Your current SAT score is within the middle 50% and actually toward the high end of that group. Your subject test scores are OK but low 600s is not stellar. It would appear improving subject tests there would help more than improving an already fine SAT for GW.</p>
<p>Fordham and Villanova do not use subject tests for admission and your SAT score is already in the upper end of the middle 50% range, which is lucky for you because both require all test scores to be in their hands by mid-Jan and the Jan test is too late for either of them.</p>
<p>Thus, it would appear that improving SAT would be better for the combination of NYU, GW and JH and likely the test to take unless GW is your first choice college. The decision should not be based on how best to raise chances for the three ivies because improvement will still likely leave you in the high reach area for those.</p>
<p>Have you considered the ACT with writing? As you can not take the SAT and subject tests on the same date, if you took the ACT with writingm then most of the schools will not even require the subject tests.</p>
<p>Thanks for the advice! I know I’m low for both, but I’ll probably take the SAT 1 again. I did not find out about the ACT until I started applying (my school never mentioned it and I don’t know anyone who took it), but I’m going to try it in February because I did much better on those practice tests than the SAT ones.</p>