<p>I got a 730 on my SAT Chem. Should I retake it and try to get above 750? Or is it good enough? I already didn't know some of the questions and was short on time on this one, but I want to go to Caltech, so I know I need pretty high scores. I don't know whether to retake it or wait and take the Physics one at the end of this year - I am currently taking IB Physics, first year - and hope for a higher score on that. I can't decide what to do! What do you guys think?</p>
<p>Heh–same situation, also want to go to Caltech. Got a 560 on Chem.</p>
<p>I know the content, I did extremely well in the class, aced practice tests (to be fair, they were loosely timed). I just hope they’ll understand that some don’t test as well as others.</p>
<p>It may be too late for a retake–I emailed my region’s admissions counselor this morning asking about exceptions and what circumstances would allow me to take the January series.</p>
<p>It’s my understanding that a good SAT/ACT w/ Writing score, as well as excellent essays, should make up for it. If there are no exceptions, that’s just the path we’ll both have to take. :)</p>
<p>Best of luck!</p>
<p>Thanks purmou! I’m assuming you’re a senior, so all those deadlines have already passed for you. I’m a junior still, so I guess I still could retake it. The thing is, I don’t even know if I could get a higher score the second time. When I took the test, I thought I bombed it - I circled CE for almost all of the statements that were T T – so I was pleasantly surprised I got above 700. But the extent of my chemistry course was just a high honors sophomore class, and in my understanding, these tests are made for AP students. I’m just really uncertain if I could pull off a better score, because I feel like the 730 really was just dumb luck. Standardized tests just aren’t my thing.</p>
<p>Thanks for your answer though, man! I hope this whole retake business turns out well for you, and good luck on your apps!</p>
<p>No, I’m a sophomore, but I’m applying this year. :)</p>
<p>And I don’t see what you’re worrying about…retake it anyways just to see if you can get a better score. 
Then use score choice to send the better one (Caltech doesn’t require all scores).</p>