I took AP Calc and got a 4, but took the Math 2 Subject Test and only got a 650. The schools I’m applying to don’t require subject tests but for bio/math majors (I’m majoring in neuroscience) say it will help. Should I retake the subject test or just send in my AP?
If the school requires SAT 2’s, an AP will not act as a substitute. Even for SAT 2 optional schools, I still don’t think an AP will be a full substitute. If you submit an AP score but not an SAT 2 score in the same subject, it may even look fishy. Is a 650 in the competitive ballpark for the schools you are looking at? If not, I’d retake the SAT 2.
@BKSquared I’m not sure what is average for the schools I’m applying to. My target schools are William and Mary, UCSD, UCLA, and UNC Chapel Hill.
@BKSquared - the OP said the Subject Tests were recommended but not required - so how would it look “fishy” not to submit the SAT Subject Test? I’d just submit the AP Exam Score of 4; and only the SAT Subj Test if you retake it (assuming you are not happy with 650 as you sound - what percentile is the 650 - and what range do you think those schools are looking for?).
did you take Math 2 after you took Calc? May be you have forgotten the content…how was your school grades in Math? . If you do not have anything plan in the August test date, it would be better to retake it…
@annamom I took it after calc, and have an 100% in all math classes all three years of high school, along with taking 2 math classes every year.
@sunnyschool it’s around the 50th percentile, and I can’t find any information on what school’s averages are.
50th is not too bad - remember only students applying to highly selective colleges usually take Subject Exams.
“recommended” usually means required unless there’s a solid reason you could not take the test.
@sunnyschool, if a school “recommends” sending SAT 2 tests, and you choose not to send in any, but send in an AP score (not required or recommended) in the same subject, the absence of the SAT 2 score may raise questions. The question though is if the 650 will hurt the OP. If 650 is in range for the schools listed by OP, I’d submit both the SAT 2 and the AP scores. If the 650 is not cutting it, I’d retake the SAT 2 and see where the result takes me. It is kind of the same question if you have a number of AP’s that are 4/5’s and one that is a 3 (but in a core subject where you have taken an AP level class). Many posters are of the opinion that by not reporting the 3, the AO might well suspect that the applicant made a 1 or 2, so you are better off being fully transparent and reporting the 3.
@College44444 I think you just forgot some of the precalc stuff. As I said earlier, if you can afford the time to review and the money, if it were me, I would take it. OTOH, I think your overall Math scores are good…if it were me and if I do not retake, I will not send the 650
Retake the subject test, if you haven’t taken the science subject test, then you can take the math 2 when you take the science on.