SAT II Scores

Test Preparation
1

<p>Hello. Back in June, I took the SAT II subject tests for Math II and Physics. I scored 700 on both of them.</p>

<p>My question is this: As my school scores consistently below average (among the state) in mathematics and science, and while even as a rising senior, I've never had the option of taking anything above an intro. class to Mechanics in Physics, will my scores look bad enough to admissions officers for it to be worth me retaking them? I'm also an URM with a combined family income of <$35,000/yr (family of 5).</p>

<p>(In terms of the caliber of schools I'll be applying to, Carnegie Mellon is my first choice.)</p>

2

<p>For Carnegie Mellon it would probably be worth taking them. Scores really won’t get you into there, it will just keep you out. For math II the average score is 649 st. deviation 107, and for physics it’s 658 with a standard deviation of 103. While you’re above average, you’re also within one standard deviation of the mean. Maybe look at taking something other than physics? IB or AP physics would be ideal for the physics subject test but if your school doesn’t offer IB or AP then I’m not sure D:</p>

3

<p>They offer AP Physics in the 12th grade year, and I’m taking that. It’s just that I wouldn’t have enough time to get through the entire course and retake the test. </p>

<p>Would CMU take into consideration my limited Physics background (limited not out of my own choice, but because of the school)?</p>

4

<p>Yes they will - I’m not so sure if they will when looking at your SAT II scores though. Schools will look at your transcript relative to the classes your school offers - so that a student who cannot take AP/IB is not put at a disadvantage. Because the tech school at CMU (I assume that’s where you’re applying) requires that you take physics/chem as one of your subject tests I would think they would consider your high school background in relation to your sat scores. I’m not sure about this, but I think 700 is a really respectable score for not having taken a high level physics class and I’d think they’ll take that into consideration. I’d definitely retake the math level II though for a school like CMU.</p>

5

<p>Alright, thanks. I’m taking the ACT in ~October, and I’ll retake the Math II in November. Thank you very much.</p>

6

<p>get 800’s!</p>

7

<p>Is CMU hard to get into?</p>

<p>chances for?:</p>

<p>SAT: 800M/700CR/730W
SATII: 800Physics, 800 Chem, 800 MathII
Rank: 1/50… validictorian</p>

8

<p>^Are you freakin serious! I am so jealous! But yes, you have a greaaaaattttt shot. Btw, you spelled valedictorian wrong :wink: Maybe you were just in a hurry</p>

9

<p>P.S. to @SheepGetKilled and the OP (I guess)
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/carnegie-mellon-university/316750-official-class-2011-thread-cmu-stats-thread.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/carnegie-mellon-university/316750-official-class-2011-thread-cmu-stats-thread.html&lt;/a&gt;
This thread has a couple applicants with similar SAT scores to @SheepGetKilled</p>