Hey everyone. I’m stuck between a rock and a hard place right now; I’m unsure if I want to take my Math II and Chemistry Subject tests for December with all the college application stuff I’m doing. I have about 4 applications due December 1st, and many more due Jan. I’ve done a little bit of studying, and I’m pretty good at both subjects. I feel as if I have the potential to get 800s, but I’m unsure how much it matters or will it be worth it. I got a great score for my SAT (1550+), so I’m really unsure of what I should do. Whatever my decision is, I gotta make it quickly, so what’s your advice?
If your schools accept it, you’re confident you’ll have time to study, then there’s no harm in taking Math 2 (Bio’s fine for pre-med as well,) as many schools will accept score choice for SAT Subject Tests.
Hey Pikachu, thanks for the reply and your time. The problem isn’t whether I think I’ll get a bad score, it’s that I’m unsure if it’s worth the prioritization of my time. I can always make time to study, but that might weaken my college applications. I just wanted to know everyone’s opinions on Subject test’s importance during this time. Any updates?
It honestly depends—if you have AP test scores in STEM those are good enough. If you’re applying to BS/MD programs, in the past (pre-COVID) some wanted Subject Test scores, so that might be beneficial to have, but again AP test scores can substitute here.
Btw in-order to notify someone on CC you need to use @username. For example, @EmanCollege
@PikachuRocks15 Got it. I have a bunch of AP tests, and I’ve scored well on my STEM AP tests, so I guess I’ll spend the extra time working on college applications. Thanks man!
I was in the same position as you, but I decided to take the subject tests (Math II and Chemistry) and was able to get full scores on both. I crammed super hard the week before the test, taking multiple practice tests, but it really does feel like all the efforts are paid off when those scores come in. The curves for Chemistry is very generous, and if you have taken AP Chemistry and have a solid grasp of those concepts, you’ll fare much better. Take many practice tests though. Very important.
If you would need extensive studying over the next two weeks and that would take away from 12/1 applications, then probably not. Honestly, if you haven’t started preparing for them already, it’s quite late to start.
It’s not going to matter much in applications, but every little bit helps. If you think you know the material and can get near 800, it may be worth taking - you can always just not send the scores.