Should I retake the SAT or Subjects Tests?

Applying to College
1

<p>Hi! I need a bit of advice regarding testing/test scores. I've taken the SAT once (670 CR, 630 M, 690 W) and the SAT subject tests once (600 M2, 600 Lit) and I'm wondering which of the two I should retake in October?</p>

<p>In addition to my in state publics (UCs), I plan to apply to a couple of top end liberal arts colleges. Which set of scores should I aim to improve in hopes of boosting my candidacy for admission?</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

2

<p>Google “Common Data Set” for each school on your list and look at the C9 data, which is the 25th and 75th percentile SAT scores of admitted students. If your tests scores are in the middle 50%, you should not bother retaking. For example: Your CR and W scores are about at Amherst’s 25th percentile, but your M is below the 25th percentile. So, if Amherst is on your radar, you should retake and try to get all your scores in the low 700’s: <a href=“https://www.amherst.edu/system/files/CDS1314_C_Freshman_Admission_0.pdf”>https://www.amherst.edu/system/files/CDS1314_C_Freshman_Admission_0.pdf&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

3

<p>Let me complicate things a bit. I’m hoping to major in engineering and my scores need to be better but I can only take the October SAT. Would I be better off focusing on my Math II score (aim for 700+) or should I retake the standard test and realistically improve to about 2100?</p>

<p>I guess I’m basically asking: Everything else equal, which is more competitive for an engineering program at top end schools? </p>

<p>1990 SAT (670 CR, 630 M, 690 W) and 700 Math II score
or
2100 SAT (700 CR, 700 M, 700 WR) and 600 Math II score</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

4

<p>I would think the latter.</p>

5

<p>@nebhar97, i think the latter is better, Because there are some top-tier schools (excluding ivies of course), that have the subject test as optional. In fact i know a person who had an sat score likes yours, and got a 2100+, and got into princeton. </p>

<p>I know the 600 on math II is going to hurt you, as many people get a perfect score on that. But the satI is more rewarding, mainly because it has a bigger tipping point. In face if your plan to take once, i highly recommend putting all your efforts on satI, for a 2200+</p>

6

<p>You need to look into this a bit further as you may not have a choice. if you are applying to engineering schools, many require SATII and another science subject test (physics, chem or bio). They likely will not accept your lit subject test.</p>

7

<p>Is there a reason you can’t take the SAT in October and subject tests in November or vice versa? Do you want to ED somewhere?</p>

8

<p>@butterfreesnd‌ Yes, I plan on applying to a couple of colleges through Questbridge (September 26 deadline).</p>

9

<p>Try the act and then satII?</p>