Quick question about SAT scores -
I’m applying SCEA to Yale and have a 1500 super score on my SAT (750M/740R 1st try; 720M/760R 2nd try). I know this isn’t great.
I also have a 710 on the US History subject test and a 730 on the Biology. Again, these aren’t great.
So, essentially what I’m wondering is whether I should send in my subject test scores; Yale says they’re recommended but that they won’t penalize applicants for not sending in scores, but I don’t really have an excuse to have not taken them (not extremely low-income, live in a suburban area).
My belief is the reason many schools have switched to “recommended” is that some applicants from a lower socioeconomic status (SES) can’t afford more tests and/or the applicants attend a HS where no students apply to colleges where Subject Tests are requested, and therefore, may not have received the best advice from a GC.
If that does not apply to you, I am of the opinion that colleges at Yale’s tier are expecting Subject Tests from all other applicants. Although everyone will have a story about someone who was admitted without Subject Tests, my view in these cases is that there was probably more to the story (e.g. seriously hooked or lower SES).
A Subject Test that begins with a 7 is not a “bad” score. Whether or not you get into Yale will not hinge on a 710, IMO.
You need to send the subject tests and they are not that bad. However, I wouldn’t chance you as a match for Yale without something else, like great ECs or a big hook.
FYI, nobody on this site should chance any student as a match to any university with a single digit acceptance rate. No one here is an AO. It’s a fun party game, though.
Agree with @skieurope and @IxnayBob , it is highly unlikely you will be rejected because of these SAT2 scores. IMO, there is a larger risk that not submitting them will throw up a red flag.
^ If you submit the ACT or the SAT, you have to submit all scores, but not both. If you choose to submit both SAT and ACT scores, you have to submit all. SAT2’s are recommended but optional. https://admissions.yale.edu/standardized-testing
We don’t know what major, so, how the 710 will be perceived. Since OP also hasn’t mentioned ECs, we can’t begin to look at this holistically. Anyone wanting a tippy top has got to know admits are based on much more than stats.
And an admit has a lot to do with the competition, all those other kids who knocked themselves out in all the right ways.
Yale allows that low SES kids may not be able to afford lots of tests. But I think that, for this level of college and the real qualifications of even low SES kids, you’ll find a large proportion did take subject tests.
On the note of my “app package,” I believe that my essays and teacher recommendations will be strong, and my GPA is a 4.0UW/4.5W (IB Diploma candidate). Test scores are definitely my weakness, so I hesitate to seem even worse with the subject tests.
Sending those is much better than not sending any, but they are not what Yale is looking for, and SAT IIs are important to top schools. There are lots of people with 4.0s in honors+ classes, and most of them aren’t getting in to anywhere like Yale. You usually need high standardized test scores and/or strong ECs.
Yeah - I know that Yale is a high reach for everyone and that my scores do make it an “extra high reach” for me.
I’d say most of my ECs are pretty standard (lots of involvement in student journalism, lots of community service, political involvement, etc.) but I was involved in a significant amount of activism that I hope stands out.
Though it may be a naive mindset to have, at this point I’m just going to do my best and hope for the best (but of course not expect anything).
OP, I think you have the right attitude towards this, “do my bets and hope for the best …” There is no way any of us can accurately judge your app. I think you have met the “objective” thresholds so now your app will succeed or fail based on how convincing your essays, LoR’s and EC’s will portray you as a person who will make the most out of Yale and who in turn will contribute positively to the Yale community. Your chances are 0 if you don’t apply. Good luck.
