SAT Subject Tests for Georgetown

[highschool123456]

I got an 800 on the SAT Math II, and a 700 on both physics and United States History. My college counselor is recommending me to retake the physics and the United States History test, while my school counselor thinks it’s a waste of time.

Will the two 700’s put me at any disadvantage, given the competitiveness of Georgetown’s application. I got fives on both the AP United States History test and the AP Physics 1 test.

Thanks

[Mwfan1921]

I am assuming you are a senior. It’s impossible to make a recommendation without knowing the strength of your entire app…and the number of applications you will be completing in the next 2-3 months…and the course load you have right now.

If all other elements of your app are strong (GPA, SAT/ACT, ECs, essays, rec letters) I would submit your subject test scores as is and not retake. I agree the 5s on the two AP tests will balance out the 700s.

I expect you have a number of applications to prepare, and supplemental essays to write… all while maintaining high senior year grades. Ultimately I believe your time is better spent on those things rather than preparing for two more subject tests, where you already have AP scores of 5 in those subjects.

Good luck.

[RichInPitt]

I’ll disagree with the statement that “5s on the two AP tests will balance out the 700s.”. I’ve been told by multiple T25 admissions officers that “we don’t consider AP scores”.

As you can imagine, there were several follow up questions, to which the AO confirmed “College Board tells us AP tests should be used for placement, so we don’t even look at them. Grades in the coursework are much more meaningful”.

Putting you “at a disadvantage” probably isn’t the right question. Would it be better to have the exact same application, with higher scores? Sure. That’s true of anything. But unless you can do absolutely nothing other than walk in on test day and score higher, there’s a trade off between studying prepping, presumably on topics you now haven’t seen for at least 4 months and are now less in your head than when you first took the tests, and other facets of your application. Spending that time on class grades, EC’s, essays, etc., may be a better use of your time.

My personal thought is that 700 is a score that makes it not worth the investment for the possible improvement.

[Mwfan1921]

I’ll disagree with the statement that “5s on the two AP tests will balance out the 700s.”. I’ve been told by multiple T25 admissions officers that “we don’t consider AP scores”.

There have been multiple reports from people who have attended G’town admission sessions over the last several months that presenters specifically said they will consider AP scores and can even be used in lieu of subject tests (of course you would have to report subject test scores if you take them)

CC posters have posted this on a number of forums, and it has been widely circulated and discussed on GC/IEC discussion boards. However, G’town has not updated the website to reflect any of this, which is somewhat discomforting. I agree grades are more meaningful that AP scores, and that applies to subject test scores as well.

[Mwfan1921]

As soon as I criticized Georgetown for not updating their website re: accepting AP scores in lieu of subject test scores they have now done so (in the last day or two):

https://uadmissions.georgetown.edu/applying/preparation-process/#

SAT Subject Tests

Georgetown strongly recommends, but does not require, submission of three SAT Subject tests. 
In lieu of SAT Subject test scores, candidates may submit Advance Placement (AP) test scores.  We accept scores as part of your secondary school report or directly from the College Board.
SAT Subject tests scores are an important element of our application review, but these tests should not create a barrier for applicants. Standardized tests represent only one factor in our holistic admissions process. The Committee on Admissions considers all facets of student achievement, both inside and outside of the classroom, and within the context of each applicant’s experience and environment.
International applicants are encouraged to consider an application to Georgetown regardless of their ability to submit three SAT Subject tests. The reduced availability of testing dates and centers outside the United States, along with varied curriculums around the world, can impact an international student’s ability to complete the recommended three SAT Subject tests for admission to Georgetown.