I got a 690 on both my Math II and Physics subject tests because after seeing how lenient the curves seemed and how frequently people got high 700s and 800s, I didn’t feel it was necessary to take any time to prepare for these tests. On the day before the test, however, I looked at practice tests and realized that I was very unprepared because there were some topics that I was unpolished on and would’ve needed a couple days to look over. Because of this, I contemplated not going because I feared I would do poorly, but I went anyway because I didn’t want to waste my parents’ $60.
However, I am now regretting taking the tests and not cancelling the scores because I have to send both of these scores to Cornell, my top college choice, because of their policy of sending all test scores. Now I fear that even if I retake the tests and score 800s on both in January, which I am quite confident I can do, they may look past them and see the 690s I got just two months prior and it would be a waste of time and money. Also, I am applying to their college of engineering, which makes these scores even worse. Would retaking these tests and getting 800s impact my admission decision enough to be worth it, or should I forget about it?