<p>Hey wannabe Yalies. I'm just asking for genuine input/advice as to how I should go about testing in the future. I'm currently a junior, an Asian in an overrepresented state... so while test scores aren't the most crucial element of the application, I think it's widely accepted that for people of my demographics, we need to tighten as many loose ends as possible when applying to schools like Yale. </p>
<p>As far as SAT IIs go, I've only gotten low 700s on Math II and a mid-600 on Literature. I'm under the impression that you should aim for mid-700+, if you're applying to Yale, for two subject tests. Does anyone have any recommendations for what tests I should do? Should I bother with Math I? Should I try to self-study Biology? I'm doing AP Chemistry, but it's not my strong suit, so while I might get a 5 on the AP I don't think I'd do too well on the SAT II since it's harder. I'm also not great in any AP History, nor am I very strong in any of them. I'm also not great in Physics and I'm only in honors level, not AP. But, I'm in AP Spanish so I could take a whack at the SAT II Spanish without Listening in the spring, since grammar and reading are my strongest skill sets when it comes to Spanish Language. Are there any other tests I should try to self-study for? I'm really at a loss when it comes to subject tests. </p>
<p>As far as SAT Is, go I just got a 730 Math, 730 Reading, 770 Writing, and 12 Essay. I know a 2230 is not a bad score but, as mentioned before, I think I need to maximize what I'm bringing in this application. Is it possible for me to make less mistakes on reading/math if I retake it in March? I think it will be. But I would just like some confirmation that my standpoint in terms of just SAT I testing is solid, for now. </p>
<p>Any feedback provided would be really helpful. Again, I'm not saying my scores are low or amazing, nor am I trying to contrive sympathy. I just want some helpful advice from some helpful, intelligent people... whom I know are everywhere on CC! :)</p>
<p>I would say no to taking the Math I. </p>
<p>Biology can be really hard actually especially the E version.
I see a lot of people doing well in the US History test, so you could take a shot at that.
Most of the people taking SAT II in the foreign languages are native speakers and fluent in the language so it really just depends on fluent you think you are. </p>
<p>I would pick the two subjects that you feel you excel in the most and take those. Don’t panic if you get a 710 or something, test scores won’t get you accepted.</p>
<p>1, your SAT I should improve on a retake, most people’s do and if you’re in challenging English/Math courses now it should be reasonable</p>
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<li>Take SAT II’s in May righ before AP’s, you’ll have reviewed everything and be at the end of the course so you’ll have learned everything, decide on Chem then, self study for these is generally a bad idea and you want to show experttise in more thqn one field anyway, since you’ve taken Math II and gotten an acceptable score (though not phenomenal, mine was much worse) don’t take Math I or Bio if you’re taking Chem…Lit is supposed to be one of the hardestones so don’t feel tyoo bad about your score and if history’s not your thing, go for Laguage. The problem is that if you take it w/o listening it does look worse than if you do…your choice, and know that the language tersts are HARD, so be sure of yourself (ie massive review) before taking it…and unless you’re fluent, DO NOT take the Asian language tests, they have crazy high averages and don’t actually prove much</li>
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<p>Thanks. I agree with what you guys have said. I heard for nonnatives it’s okay not to do it with Listening. Is that true?</p>
<p>I did it with listening (German) and I am not a native speaker. It is considerably more difficult so if you’re looking to just have a high score do it without.
The written test is mostly grammar.</p>
<p>Don’t do Math 1</p>
<p>Your SAT I should improve the second time, take LOTS of practice tests, especially the College Board versions.</p>
<p>Be careful with the subject test in Spanish; as stated above, many native speakers take the Spanish Subject test so I would be sure that you are very, very strong in Spanish.</p>
<p>Also, if you think you could do significantly better, I might consider retaking SAT II Math II or Lit. Have you taken AP Literature yet?</p>
<p>^the general consensus is that unless you fell asleep or had similar dire circumstances happen during your first SAT II test, you should NOT retake. This is the importance of preparing the first time (a fact that I, alas, learned slightly late…) this is why taking Math I is similarly useless…
that said, what AP history are you in(if any?) If you are in APUSH< chances are high that because the AP test is so comprehensive, you will be ready for the SAT II if you take it in May, the same may be true for any other AP History class.</p>
<p>If you use a study book like Barron’s to prepare you for the Lit test you should be okay. Lit is a test that doesn’t really rely on innate talent, nor years and years of coursework, rather a general awareness of several basic concepts. With a few months of studying it is certainly possible to raise your lit score significantly.</p>