Should I take an SAT subject test in a subject I expect to improve on/retake later?

Test Preparation SAT Subject Test Preparation
1

I’m going to take the SAT II Physics in 2 days. The College Board also allows you to sign up for additional subject tests on-the-spot at the testing site. I was thinking of signing up for SAT II USH, but I really haven’t gotten a chance to study more than what I learned junior year yet. I would probably score decently if I took the SAT II USH, but not as high as I would if I were given a month or so more to study.

I’m debating whether I should take USH on August 26 and Oct 7, or only Oct 7. On one hand, I might get lucky and not do as badly as I think I would-- then I wouldn’t have to worry about studying USH anymore. On the other hand, I heard that Cornell (which I intend to apply to) “superscores, but also requires you send all your SAT test scores.” So I guess it comes down to: how much do colleges really care if you get an average score on a subject test, but retake it and get a higher score later?

2

Bump!

3

Take the USH Subject test when you feel you are sufficiently prepared. I know of no college that “superscores” SAT subject tests.

4

For the Subject Test, no they don’t; they consider the best score.

They won’t care.