SAT II scores and Cornell

<p>I have 3 questions and I am hoping that someone out there can help me.</p>

<p>1) I recently received my SAT II Math and Chemistry scores. They are 780 and 770 respectively. I am wondering if anyone can tell me whether these scores put me in the top 10% of the applicant pool for Cornell? If not should I take them again? I am planning to take a third SAT II subject test, probably Chinese (as it is my second language) would you recommend any others?</p>

<p>2) If I were to take the SAT II Math and Chemistry again would I have the option of sending in only the better score or would both scores be sent in to the colleges?</p>

<p>3) Would taking more than 3 SAT II subject tests be a good idea?</p>

<p>I am aware that Cornell would consider many other factors but as I have just completed my sophomore year, these are all the standardized tests that I have done so far.</p>

<p>Thank you</p>

<p>I assume your going to apply to ENG.</p>

<p>1.) Those scores are fine. 780 and 770, wouldn't put you at the extreme top, because many do get 800s. But, they are fine nonetheless. I would recommend Physics too.</p>

<p>2.) I'm not sure, but I think CB sends all your scores, even the lower scores. but, as I said, I am not sure about this one.</p>

<p>3.) It's not needed. But, your not going to be at loss if you take them either. If you did 3 relevant SAT-IIs, I would advise you to spend the time fruitfully on something else.</p>

<p>1) Those scores put you just a bit above average, but it's nothing the admissions counselors are going to be extremely impressed by.</p>

<p>2) Don't retake. The scores are fine. Focus on other, more important things.</p>

<p>3) It doesn't make a difference. Don't take more than 1 extra or it looks excessive.</p>

<p>If you have the funds then take again...I mean why not? If you have something more important to do, then don't. If you know you can get a good score in Chinese then it could always help having another really high score in there. And just remember that this is college confidential, where people don't throw out a ton of compliments (so it could make you feel a little like your scores aren't good), so let me just tell you now those are amazing scores and great job.</p>

<p>Oh definitely, they are amazing scores. I'm putting things in the context of a typical Cornell application.</p>

<p>ur tripping balls if ur even considering retaking an SAT that u scored a 770 or above on.. those scores are basically equivilent to having an 800. those SAT 2 scores alone wont get you in but getting 20-30 extra pts on the same test is not going to do anything for you.. besides wasting precious time.</p>

<p>Thanks for all your help. I guess i wont take those SAT IIs again and focus on other stuff. I was just surpised when i saw that my percentiles were in the mid 80s. I guess there are alot more people who got 800s and 790s.</p>

<p>Well... the thing about the SAT IIs is that huge curve where you can get 90% and still score an 800. To me, that puts a serious division between an 800 and a score in the 700s. However, if admission officers don't put much weight into that, I guess it doesn't matter and that actually takes some stress off me for my Physics SAT.</p>

<p>The percentiles are based on the people who actually took that particular test -- a highly self-selected group. Only kids who apply to really selective colleges take SAT II tests at all, and only kids who are reasonably good in a particular subject take the SAT II in that subject. So it makes sense that the percentiles look a little low.</p>

<p>The above information is all true. Also, if you look at the "Percentile Ranks" chart, you will see some confusing information. For example, look at the percentile for a score of 800 on Math Level 2 (88%), or a score of 800 on Chinese (61%). I used to know the reason for this, but I am having a brain freeze. I think it has something to do with the standard deviation, scaled score and the curve.<a href="http://www.collegeboard.com/prod_downloads/about/news_info/cbsenior/yr2005/16_subj_test_percentile_ranks_0506.pdf%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.collegeboard.com/prod_downloads/about/news_info/cbsenior/yr2005/16_subj_test_percentile_ranks_0506.pdf&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>Ahha! Now I get it!<br>
From Wikipedia?

[quote]
The student receives their score report approximately two to three weeks after administration of the test, with each section graded on a scale of 200 to 800. In addition to their score, students receive their percentile (the percentage of other test takers with lower scores)

[/quote]
</p>