<p>I have great SAT and ACT scores, so I figured that the SAT subject tests wouldn't be that much different. I studied for the biology test, especially, felt pretty confident about it, and thought it went well. I just got my scores back, and got:
Biology: low 600s
Math 1: 550
Literature: near 700.
These aren't great, but I felt okay about them until I saw the percentiles: 48%, 74%, and 26%.
Do schools tend to look at the numbers, or the percentiles? How on earth are these a good measure of ability? I am planning to take math and biology again, but for a potential biology major applying to several ivies in less than a month, how do these look to admissions officers? Thanks!</p>
<p>If you are going to apply to top schools, 750+ for each subject test is great but below 700 is bad.
IMO the subject tests test more on knowledge than the reasoning. I think the reasoning test is BS.</p>
<p>I’ve heard different responses to this question, but the lore I’ve heard most is that percentile correlations are more widely known and considered for math and lit, but for the specialty area tests, anything over 700 is generally considered competitive for top schools.</p>
<p>So in your case, you can be fairly sure that Ivy and other top schools can tell with a glance that 550 in Math level 1 is a very low score. When they see you’re presenting as a science major, they may even check the percentile rank chart to confirm it’s 26%. Either way, the score is a red flag because it suggests you are not well-prepared on the most basic HS math curricula (most students applying to selective schools, esp. in the sciences, submit Math level 2 scores, where the percentile rank is a crazy 800 = 88%!). When they read you want to major in bio, they will double-check your bio score and see it’s at low 600’s, which is also not a score that demonstrates you have a strong grasp of the subject matter. If they pull up the percentile chart and see you’re at 48%, it won’t help.</p>
<p>The fact that you said you studied and felt confident about your performance on the bio test further suggests you are unlikely to score significantly higher on retest unless you have the time (and outside help, perhaps) to figure out where you are weak and how you can master more content areas. Similarly, there’s no use retaking math unless you can take an entirely new and more directed approach to preparing for the exam. I’m not trying to discourage you from retaking! But you need to be realistic about the time required to make a difference. </p>
<p>The good news is, college admissions is not all about subject test scores!</p>
<p>Grades and class rank–how you perform relative to your peers on the most rigorous coursework available in your HS–are most important. Your “great” SAT I will help. And then there’s all that other stuff–teacher recs, ECs, etc.</p>
<p>For your app list, I suggest you consider targeting some schools where SAT subject tests are optional. Additionally, while it’s exciting to think about reach schools, you need to be sure you have several match schools, as well as a couple of safeties, that you really like. </p>
<p>And determine whether you are over-reaching in a very challenging field. Have you looked at admission stats for the freshman classes of 2009 and 2010 at all the schools on your list to see where you fit? If you are not currently at a competitive level that Ivy and other selective schools demand for admission, at least in the way of grades and test scores, then it’s possible you would struggle to be successful in those schools. Nearly every state flagship and so many other schools offer strong bio degree programs. And most bio majors have post-grad work in mind, whether medical school, PhD, research or other. So the name of the game for undergrads aiming for advanced degrees is going to a school that is a good academic fit for you–a place where you can learn, thrive and even excel so you graduate with a college GPA that is high enough to take you to the next level.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>If you want Ivy-level schools, those scores are really bad. You would need at least 700.</p>
<p>So it may be a good idea to see about registering for the December tests. That should definitely be within the time allowed for the Regular Decision applications.</p>
<p>Registration deadline is the 5th (Friday).</p>