I’m applying SCEA to Yale this year and people have been telling me conflicting things about my subject tests.
Math II: 740
Literature: 750
I know Yale does not require the subject tests but recommends them. And I know if I send them in, they will look at both results (I can’t just send in one).
Any thoughts? Should I bother retaking, since Yale can see them all anyway? Are these competitive enough?
FYI my reasoning test was 2310 (one sitting).
Your SAT Subject Test scores are fine. My son applied to Yale with scores like yours and was accepted SCEA five years ago. So I absolutely wouldn’t bother retaking. And as Yale doesn’t allow for Score Choice, the College Board will send Yale all your SAT scores, including both SAT Subject tests. And that’s okay because you have wonderful scores!
FWIW: Colleges use test scores to gauge how you well you would do if admitted to their school. The higher your score, the less an Admissions Directors will question if you can handle the work load on their campus.
Once your test scores reach a certain threshold (about 2200 for Yale), having a higher test score DOES NOT necessarily increase your chances. The same can be said for having higher SAT Subject test scores. That’s because other more subjective factors such as your teacher recommendations, guidance counselor’s Secondary School Report (SSR), essays, and interview report reveal more about your “character” than a number on an SAT score or SAT Subject test score.
When my daughter and son received their acceptance letters five and six years ago, there were handwritten notes from Admissions Directors on them saying “Welcome! Congratulations! We hope you say yes!” In addition, there were specific personal comments all having to do with their essays. Comments such as “Loved your essay about your baseball coach. Your application was such a joy to present to the committee. After reading your essay, the vote was unanimous!” Not one comment said “Wonderful test scores.” In fact, in all my years on CC, I have NEVER EVER heard of an Admissions Director from any college make that kind of comment. Test scores matter, but at a certain point they don’t matter!
In your case, with 2310, a 740 and 750, you’ve already proven to Admissions you can do the work on their campus. You’ve already crossed that threshold. You don’t need to retake a test and get a higher score. Your acceptance or denial no longer depends on your test scores, but those other subjective factors.
What you need to do is focus on your essays. You need to write a thought provoking essay that demonstrates maturity and wisdom beyond your years. You need to demonstrate your love of learning. What you need to do take your recommendation writers out for coffee or lunch, so they will get to know you as a person outside of the classroom. What you need to do is show your recommendation writer’s your essays, so they can understand you better. Both of those things will enable them to write you a better recommendation. What you need to do is practice your interview skills. Do you look someone directly in the eye when being asked a question? Do you have a firm handshake? Do you answer questions not with rote answers, but showing you’ve actually wrestled with the issues being discussed and can converse about them intelligently. Can the interviewer imagine you on Yale’s campus? Would you make a good roommate? Are you kind and compassionate? All of those things now matter more than your test scores.
You’ve got a lot work yet do, but your tests scores is not an area you have to worry about. Best of luck to you!
@gibby Thanks so much, this was a very helpful answer 
Those scores are terrible. You’re going to get rejected. Just don’t even both applying. \sarcasm\
But in reality, no one looks back at their application and goes “Yeah, I got in because I nailed a four hour standardized test” and no one looks back and goes “Damn, if only I hadn’t submitted that 740 on Math II, I would have gotten in.”
You’re above a threshold at which scores matter, so just relax and send them if you want to, or don’t if you don’t want to. It’s completely up to you.
@gibby Yale actually does do Score Choice for subject tests–I think it’s new this year.
^^ Yes, it’s new this year.
That still doesn’t change my answer:
Your SAT Subject tests scores of 740 and 750 are wonderful – and the 10 point difference between them is insignificant, so I would submit both scores, as opposed to sending one of them or none of them.
740 and 750 are right in the ballpark - beyond that point, it’s more of a numbers game/pride issue.
You’ll be fine! Best of luck this fall