SAT IIs--Do I need to retake???

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Pennsylvania
1

So I just got back my SAT IIs and I got a 690 on Chem and 730 on Math II.

My ACT score is 34 and I have a 4.0 GPA with (what I would consider) serious extracurriculars.

I am most likely applying to Penn ED. Do you think I should retake these subject tests? I know that they are not necessarily impressive, but I did get a 5 on my AP Calc AB exam and a 4 on my AP chem exam, so does this make up for average SAT II scores?

Thanks!

2

I would consider retaking, or choosing different subjects. While Subject Tests are but one part of the equation, be aware that many, many applicants will have higher scores than you. And, no, AP scores will not offset.

3

These are borderline scores for super selective colleges. Nowhere near automatic deny level, but not eye-popping awesome. But, if your grades, essays, and achievements are good, these could get the job done.

This is a complicated analysis that I refer people to often. It shows the competitiveness of the pool for each subject test versus the median subject test score. The first page is older, so the chart is by old SAT. The link at the end of the article shows how to convert the x-axis to the current SAT.

But, roughy speaking, scores above the diagonal line are above median scores for the pool of kids taking them (yours are, but not by much) and scores to the right have the highest scoring regular SAT test scorers in their pool. (Math 2 kids have the highest SAT math scores, as expected.)

So, no, you don’t have to retake, but yes, you’re close enough to the borderline to consider it. Think about the best ways to use the rest of your summer (written an awesome essay yet?) before you commit to restudying.

4

You should retake it. Penn does value of SAT II.

5

I agree with the others here that you should retake. You already have a solid ACT score (do not retake the ACT!), so try retaking the subject tests in August or October and bump up your score a bit.

6

thank you everyone! I will definitely try to retake them!

7

I got in with 680 french and 700 math 1 last year and my regular sat was score was lower than your act when you convert it