Hello! I am a sophomore who is wondering what standardized tests I need to take (and what is a “good” score that’s not a perfect score) for the above schools. I’ve read on their respective websites that I need to take the SAT I and 2 SAT IIs. I was also wondering how many AP tests I should take. Here is what I have taken so far:
ACT (8th grade): 29 Reading, 30 Science, 32 English, 33 Math, 31 Composite
AP Calculus BC (9th grade): 5
AP Calculus AB Subscore (9th grade): 5
PSAT (10th grade): 680 ERW, 740 Math, 1420 total
I plan on taking AP CSP, AP Spanish Language and AP Phys C Mechanics this spring, along with the Math Level 2 SAT II.
Are these scores on the right track? Also, what other AP/SAT II tests would you all recommend that I take in the future and what score should I be achieving to have a shot at these schools/programs?
As a sophomore, yes! A 31 is great on the ACT if you took it in 8th grade, and I’m sure it would be at least a point or two higher if you took it now. I would say that you’re ahead in terms of testing. Focus on the tests and get them out of your way now and focus more on your ECs. If you want to get into MIT/Stanford etc, you’re gonna need some killer projects and wins from national/international competitions.
Many, many schools have admitted student profiles, and they also have a Common Data Set (section C) that breaks down the testing and grade numbers of students they accept/enroll. It would be quite useful to start finding this data, reviewing it, etc.
There’s lot of data available, and it would be more effective to know where it is than to ask CC every time.
For schools that want Subject Tests, at least for STEM majors, it’s typically Math2 and a science. For those that specify, it’s usually Chemistry or Physics. As you’re taking Physics C, the Physics test seems to be a logical target.
Once you’re over 6-8 APs, the incremental value gets small. Adding one History or English might help, but that’s about all I see from your schedule. Doing that senior year is fine.
For the schools you mention, SAT mid-points are in the 1500-1535 range. Now, that means that half the admitted students are below that, but it’s a good target to exceed. 10th 680/740 PSAT leads to, on average, a 1460 SAT, though with a wide variance. The targets are certainly possible, but do some review, prep, etc. when SAT time comes.
Also be aware that GPA and course rigor are the top items on the importance list, ahead of test scores.
Thank you both very much! I’ve been looking at different options that I have available to me for science research opportunities, and I have stumbled upon an internship at the Fred Hutch Cancer Research Center (I am interested in molecular biology) and the RSI, both of which (from superficial research) seem difficult to get in to. Are these the types of programs that colleges are looking for, or would my time be better spend preparing a project for a big international competition (like IISEF)?
Thanks again!
ISEF will definitely help as well as taking the AMC. These schools will be looking for something beyond the SAT/SAT2/AP in terms of scores. good luck!
I would up that PSAT just a bit. Not just for college admissions, but also so you’ll have better merit aid at ASU, USC, and the like.