Hi everyone, I just saw my scores on SAT II Physics and Math Level 2and I got in both 730.
Does 730 considered a good score? Should I retake the test? (I think I could do better)
I want to study Physics, and I will apply to top school (Chicago U, MIT, Santa Barbara etc).
What do you think?
https://secure-media.collegeboard.org/digitalServices/pdf/sat/sat-percentile-ranks-subject-tests-2014.pdf
2014 percentiles; 66th in physics, 55th in math
Thanks… so it’s better if I retake both?
Yes^
Physics and math 2 do have considerable self selection of test takers.
Keep in mind, that just as the above poster said, they are both very self selecting. Even getting an 800 on the Math II test would only put you in the 81st percentile (89 for Physics). I don’t think you should retake it. But let’s see what others have to say.
730 is a great score for any subject test. I don’t see how a few more points on Either will help. Those schools reject tons of applicants with 800s across the board. Your scores are high enough, at this point it’s what’s in the rest of your application that will count and make you more interesting… GPA, ACT/SAT, ECs, essay, awards, teacher recs. You’ll need multiple strengths to impress the adcoms enough to separate you from the many, many applicants with high scores. i would say spend your time and money on other pursuits that will strengthen other aspects of your application.
For MIT, Math2 730 is below the admission 25th percentile. SAT2 scores in admission stat is not easily found except for MIT.
Do you have any hooks? Are you international? Are you taking the ACTs or SATs? Chicago will take you without SAT2s if you are relying on the ACT Writing, MIT will not. In the case of Chicago it will depend on the rest of your application of course and an 800 will help. There is a caluclator on this site that indicates your acceptance index and it factors in SAT2s you may want to run it
thanks guys! I am an Italian high school student, next year I will study abroad in US.
At this time I have only these 2 scores. On 6th of June I will take the SAT 1. (I hope 2000/2100+)
Considering your opinions, I keep these scores, but if I have a free date I will retake (I’m sure I can get an 800).
@saphireNY thanks, where can I find that calculator?
Academic Index Calculator
I just check the 2014 admission stat of MIT. The mid 50 for Math was 770-800 and for science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) was 740-800.
http://mitadmissions.org/apply/process/stats