Should I take the SAT II in physics?

Colleges and Universities A-Z California Institute of Technology
1

<p>I'm a homeschooled senior planning to apply to Caltech this December, and I have already taken three SAT II tests:
• Math, Level 2 - 800
• Biology - 730
• Literature - 730</p>

<p>Anyway, as I understand it, Caltech wants to see two SAT II scores of 750+ in STEM subjects [1], so my biology score will hurt me in admissions. Because of this, I was planning to take the SAT II Physics test this December, but I forgot to register and will have to pay $56 for the single test. Plus, I'm only taking physics this year, so I'll need to study some of the second-semester stuff my class hasn't covered yet. (That said, I think I should be able to score a 800 on the test with some work beforehand.)</p>

<p>Do you think it is worth the time and money to take the SAT II Physics test? Pretty much all of my other schools (including MIT) seem fine with 700+ scores on the SAT II exams, but the link below made it pretty clear that Caltech has higher expectations. BTW, I've got fine scores/grades for everything else, including a dual-enrollment physics class (2330 SAT, 35 ACT, 4.0 UW GPA).</p>

<p>[1] For anyone wanting to know their chances of getting into Caltech. <a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/california-institute-technology/442418-for-anyone-wanting-to-know-their-chances-of-getting-into-caltech-p1.html"&gt;http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/california-institute-technology/442418-for-anyone-wanting-to-know-their-chances-of-getting-into-caltech-p1.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

2

<p>Your bio score is a little low, so it’s up to you. Since I don’t know where your projection came from, I advise you to take a few practice tests (CB should have released editions) and go from there. If you consistently score beyond the 750 mark, then go for it. Otherwise, your bio score will not be result in the demise of your application (i.e. even if you are rejected, it would most likely be other reasons).</p>

3

<p>If you were applying for regular admission, I would recommend taking SAT II to get that 800 score. However, since you are applying for early admission in Dec, I would devote the remaining limited time to polishing up your essays, making sure the content conveys what makes you special and a good fit for Caltech. Good luck!</p>