SAT Subject Tests... Score choice?

Test Preparation SAT Preparation
1

I took 3 subject tests June 7: Math II, Physics, and Biology. Things were smooth sailing for math and physics, but let’s just say bio was less-than-stellar. (To be honest it was a blood-bath). I have a feeling I did REALLY poorly on biology. I went in with not enough experience in the subject, and I regret that for sure. Anyway, College Board’s score choice claims that I can send only the subject test scores I want to send, essentially hiding that ugly, ugly score. Given this information, I have a few questions:

  1. Some schools say they require all scores be sent, yet College Board says colleges cannot opt out of score choice. How do colleges see you have held back a score? (Not that I would attempt to do this, just clarifying)
  2. If I bombed that test, how would it affect my applications if I do have to send it? Will it make or break my application? (Especially considering subject tests are optional at many of the schools I plan on applying to)
  3. Again, if I bombed that test, is it advisable to study up hard on biology (which is fine for me) and take that test again to prove myself? Or is there a better course of action?

Honestly I should’ve bailed on the subject tests while I was ahead. Or at least tried to guess every answer correct on the Korean test. If you can answer any of the questions or offer any insight, I appreciate it greatly.

2

Also, if a school I’m applying to wants “all scores” to be sent; however, they don’t REQUIRE three Subject Tests, can I withhold that subject test score?

3

“All scores” means “all scores.” There is no room for interpretation here. The good news is that very few schools require all Subject Test scores.

Some HS’s list all standardized test scores on the transcript. Additionally, the CB has been known to “accidentally” send all scores.

Very few schools require/request 3 Subject Tests. If the college asks for 2, they will look at the best 2.

I would spend zero time worrying about this until you actually get the scores. Even then, for a 3rd test, it’s not worth retaking.

4

Thanks for your insight. Sounds like there’s no dodging it. If you know, do you think that score could negatively affect my application? I agree it’s foolish to be concerned without seeing the score; I just want to have a plan.

5

No.

Many colleges have little elves (actually, they’re usually work-study students) who prep the applications and prepare a cover sheet. If the college asks for 2 subject tests, most like only the top two will appear on the cover sheet. Yes, the third will be part of the overall packet, but an AO will likely not pay too much attention to it. You need to understand the reality of the AO’s job. While you will spend hours upon hours crafting the perfect app, s/he will spend at most 12-15 minuted reading the entire packet. How much time do you really think they spend on scores? I’m thinking 5-10 seconds. Yup, in the ballpark - next.

6

@skieurope cover sheet, really? I assumed all the application data was compiled automatically on the colleges system, at least for schools that use the common app. What I’ve always been curious about is weather the GPAs calculated on their own scale are done automatically or is it done by each AO. There are so many variables based on high school grading policies and courses offered.

7

All those variables are the reason these tests like the SAT and ACT will never disappear.