I am currently deciding whether or not to switch from SAT to ACT since I am looking at many top schools where my score 1410 (720M/690RW) is close to the 25 percentile. Switching to the ACT would replace the need to take subject tests at some schools, but not all, including one of my top picks, Dartmouth. I
took bio in 9th grade and got a 740 without studying. I also took math 2 after trig last year and got a terrible score. I am taking AP Spanish this year, so I think I could easily take the Spanish subject test, but I feel like I still need a math/chem/physics subject test to represent that side of me (I am definitely more math science). Should I take the math 2 after BC calc? Or is it a waste, should I just try the ACT and apply to schools where they are optional?
Also, would 740 bio be worth submitting? Or is it not a good enough score.
Well, for one it is worth remembering that at many of the schools you are applying to, even all the Ivies, SAT Subject tests are “recommended,” meaning that they aren’t required for them to look at your application per se, but if nearly all the other applicants are sending in subject tests and you aren’t, this severely weakens your application. Even if you take the ACT if you want to be considered a competitive applicant, top colleges want to see those subject tests. As fr as what tests you should take, it really depends on your major. If you are planning on entering a STEM subject, I would recommend re-taking that bio test and taking math 2. If you are more humanities-oriented, the Spanish test and the history tests would probably be better options. Remember, it’s all about selling yourself in the field you want to study, so it is quite irrelevant in my opinion to take 2 history tests if you plan on being an engineering or biology major.
All in all, I would take the ACT and what test is strongest since they really don’t discriminate between the two, but definitely take subject tests and get the highest score you can regardless of what test you take
@jujunette01 if you are more of a math person I think you should take Math Level 2 or chem or physics. I am not sure which math level in school you completed before you sat for the Math level 2 test, but most say that you do NOT need to have calc before you take that. Example: my child took the Math 2 and scored 800 after pre-calculus and then then took AP Calc BC. So, I am not sure what you mean by getting a terrible score on that. It seems the timing was right in terms of WHEN to take it. Maybe re-take and study? Did you take AP chem or AP physics…if so, take one of those. I disagree with @Pastpower and would NOT retake the bio. That is a hard test and a 740 is fine. My child who was a stem/math/science kid submitted US history, World history, Chem and Math…to show well roundedness. I think unless cost is a factor, in order to be competitive you must submit subject tests. Also, the subject tests for foreign language are very very hard. One of my kids did excellent in Spanish, and would not touch the subject test with a 10 ft pole.
@Pastpower would it not be a good idea to take/submit Spanish even if I’m a more STEM person?
@LvMyKids2 I took honors trig before math 2 and got far below a 700. Do you think it will be harder for me after calc (will less of the pertinent information be fresh in my mind?). I think I’ll definitely take Spanish since I will almost definitely get a 5 on the AP and I imagine the subject test is a bit easier.
@jujunette01 While it is a personal decision, a 740 Bio test score for a prospective STEM major is not very competitive for admissions, especially for Ivy League colleges where many applicants can easily pull a 780+, so in this regard, I disagree with @LvMyKids2. If you already made a 740 without studying, a little prep would go a long way in pulling your score up and making you more competitive. Also, as she said, it would be an excellent idea to take the Spanish exam but ONLY if you think you could do well. I took it and personally found it much harder than the AP Spanish exam.
@jujunette01 and @pastpower Another thing to consider…some schools require ALL test scores to be reported. I would not want to have a trail of tests and re-takes. Consider wisely and do study.
@LvMyKids2 what schools would those be/where can I tell if they are?
@jujunette01 For SAT exams, Yale, Cornell, Stanford, Georgetown and a few others require that you send ALL SAT examinations, so yes @LvMyKids2 is right in that regard. But, this does NOT apply to SAT Subject tests. You are allowed to send your two (or more) highest individual scores on any subject areas, so I would not worry about re-taking Subject Tests since you can choose the highest. But with the SAT test, that is a concern.
@pastpower…I am not sure that you are 100% correct. Check each schools website very closely. In any event, I do not think it is great to become a testing machine and worry so much. Again, I stand by my 740 bio is fine and work on Math 2. I would take practice tests at home.
Ok sounds good @Pastpower Do you think it’s not worth me taking Spanish? I took Spanish 3 last year as a sophomore but it was pretty easy for me (and I got an A+) so I looked into skipping Spanish 4 and jumping directly to AP. I did some work over the summer but was finally able to go directly into AP as a junior, and have been doing well (A+ last quarter). This is partially because I speak French at home with one of my parents (I think I would do better on the Spanish exam than French since I don’t know the grammar / writing as well as Spanish).
Also, Spanish would help add some humanities to otherwise just math/science (and considering I am interested in pursuing languages as a minor/double major in college).
You should go to the bookstore and take a one hour practice exam for Spanish. Spend the hour…and then grade yourself. See how you do. Both my kids got straight A in their classes and did not take the exam. My one child completed Spanish 3 with all As and tried the exam at home…it was a disaster. For reference, my one child submitted World History, US history, Math 2 and Chem. Got into very selective schools and ivys!