Should I retake my subject tests?

Test Preparation
1

I really need some advice regarding my subject tests. I’ve applied to several Ivies and similar schools; Harvard is my top choice. I am currently in AP calc and have taken one year of advanced chemistry. In the fall, I got a 750 on the Math Level 2 subject test and a 670 on Chemistry. I was not satisfied with these scores, so I registered to take them again in January, but it was postponed because of snow. The makeup date is now February 20th. If I email my schools now to let them know about the delay, they will still consider the February scores, but I can’t decide whether I want to go ahead and take them. These tests have been hanging over my head for so long now, and I feel like they’re not extremely important. I would still have to study a lot to raise my scores significantly, since I haven’t learned some of the chem stuff before, and honestly there are just other things I would rather be doing. But I also really really want to get into Harvard.

I got a 2340 on the SAT 1, I have a 4.7 gpa, and I feel that my applications are otherwise fairly competitive. Will these low scores ruin my chances at Harvard? Should I take the chem one again, or both of them, or should I just let it go?

2

Any opinions would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

3

You need to retake Chemistry and to take one more test (English Literature would require the least specialized prep as long as you’re good at reading, or a Foreign Language if you’re currently in level 4 or Ap, which you should for Harvard anyway).
Retaking Math2 is pointless, 750 shows you know your stuff and is perfectly fine.

4

@MYOS1634 Thanks for the advice. I agree about chemistry–I definitely need to get into the 700s. Just curious, why do you think I should take another one? I have considered taking the Literature one before but didn’t really think it was necessary.

5

Because you already took Math2 and got a sufficiently high score. Since you registered for 2, take Chemistry to bring that score up and then add one you feel confident about/requires the least prep for you. In addition, English Lit is a nice touch if you’re a stem person, it shows your academic strengths not just in your area of focus, but also in Humanities. :slight_smile: