Should I Risk It?

Test Preparation
1

<p>Hello everyone,</p>

<p>So the end of the late registration for the November SAT is coming up quickly. In October, I took the SAT Subject Tests, Math II and Physics. It was the first time I took it, and I think I did decently. There were some things on each that I wasn't expecting, but I've learned for the future. For the math, I left three blank, and who knows how many I missed (of those that I answered). For the physics, I also left about three blank, but I didn't feel as confident as the math. I know that the physics test as a rather large curve, so I could have a chance at getting 800 (of course that is the goal). I'm applying to both MIT and Caltech, so I want to give myself the best possible chance with test scores. My ACT scores are: 33C, 36M, 35E, 27R, 33S, 10W. My ACT score is on the lower side, and my reading is not great. So I want to get really good SAT Subject Test scores to make up for that.</p>

<p>So my question is: the deadline is getting close, and there is only one test center left that still has a seat. My original plan was to wait until Tuesday, see my scores from October, and decide immediately if I will register for the November date. The problem, of course, is that the test center could fill up between now and Tuesday, and if I don't take the November date, I have no chance to raise my scores. On the other hand, if I end up getting great scores on my October date and already have registered for the November date, I can't get a refund.</p>

<p>Should I risk the possibility of the test center filling up, or risk wasting $70+ on a test that doesn't matter? Thoughts?</p>

2

<p>You likely got 800 on physics and very high 700s for math. It would be ridiculous to take the tests again. </p>

3

<p>@BassGuitar I’m hoping I did that well, but I don’t want to leave anything up to luck at this point, either. It was my first time taking the tests, after all…</p>

4

<p>Bump…</p>

5

<p>Haha, it’s funny because I ran this exact scenario in my head before (except for the SAT, and that I’m a junior so I’m in no real rush).</p>

<p>If I were you, I would not register for November test simply because you probably did well, and even if you didn’t get your 800s, taking it again means you have to DO BETTER. It’s not just a magical score increase, no one’s guaranteeing that your score will go up. Also, the seat probably won’t fill up even at the last day; there will always be people who drop out, so just register and put yourself on the waitlist.</p>

<p>tl;dr Don’t register for the tests now, wait for scores. Even then, rethink about registering for the tests.</p>

6

<p>@Kyuutoryuu Thank you for the input! That’s what I thought. I just got a little nervous because one of the two test centers available near me filled up about a day or two ago, so I’m worried that the other might as well. But again, I’m not certain about my scores right now.</p>

<p>If needed, I suppose I could call these schools and roll my admission to regular decision if needed.</p>