SAT II's – am I in twouble???

<p>Hi, I'm new here. I'm going to be a Senior in the fall. I just got my SAT II scores a few days ago, and I was shocked and somewhat appalled at how low they were, considering that they were in my best subjects, that I was taking, and doing well in, appropriate courses for them at the time (well, I'm not sure about U.S. History, as it was a New York State Regents course [the only one my school offers for Juniors] that turned slightly idiotic after the real teacher, a veteran of 20 years or more, was removed from the school, but you get my point).</p>

<p>English Literature – 670
U.S. History – 650</p>

<p>My college counselor says they're fine, but I feel like she's a little too affirmative sometimes. I have a 95.25 average and would really like to at least shoot for some top schools. I knew I was somewhat underprepared for the U.S. History, but I couldn't find a good prep book in time. I crammed considerably for both tests the preceding weekend (I couldn't at any other time because I was way too busy). I also know that certain schools require three SAT II's and others would like to see that I took a math-y/science-y one. What should I do? Which do you think I should retake?</p>

<p>you have until Oct for Early Decision, up to November for Regular Decision.
if you are interested in a "math-y, science-y" test, i would recommend Biology.</p>

<p>it is basically memorization and common sense.</p>

<p>I strongly suggest you retake both tests and try to break a 700.
good luck</p>

<p>i heard literature is basically impossible so i might just retake history and try bio (apparently it's an easy test)
school counselors are always positive lol</p>

<p>Literature impossible...? Huh. Is it impossible in the same way as the CR section on the SAT I in that it's hard to improve? I got a 790 on the CR, which is another reason I was really surprised. Thanks to both of you for the suggestions about Bio, though. I'll look into it, particularly because I'll probably be taking "Advanced" Bio next year in school (there used to be an AP Bio, but it's not happening now...)</p>

<p>Any test books y'all recommend? I have Barron's U.S. History (the worst – full of typos – I couldn't return it due to loss of receipt) and Princeton Review Lit.</p>

<p>Uh, literature makes SAT CR look like a joke. I got a 760 on CR (4 wrong) but a 650 on lit (about 20 wrong). Yeah.</p>

<p>@anhtimmy
The last date for an SAT test for early action/decision is November (but you have to rush report)</p>

<p>
[quote]
@anhtimmy
The last date for an SAT test for early action/decision is November (but you have to rush report)

[/quote]

Check with the schools, as some don't want you to rush report scores, even November ones for EA/ED (JHU is one that comes to mind)</p>

<p>warning rukii : CCers have a really skewed perception of the college process. what do you mean by "top schools" ? if you have a 680 or 690 colleges ARENT going to reject you because you didnt break 700. they dont even publish stats on SAT IIs so you dont have to be so numbers oriented. but i agree with anhtimmy - if you are interested in pursuing a degree in the hard sciences, take a math or science. the point of sat iis is to show colleges that youre good at what youre interested in.</p>

<p>The most selective schools I'm probably going to try for are Brown and Dartmouth.</p>