Subject Test Scores - Retake?

Test Preparation SAT Subject Test Preparation
1

<p>I am a rising senior and am not thrilled with some of my subject test scores and wanted some input. My first choice is probably Georgetown but I am also applying to other very competitive schools including Northwestern, Columbia, Johns Hopkins, etc. I have included all of my information below but while I know I am going to retake Spanish my main decision is whether or not to retake Lit and another like the world test, neither or just one or the other. Thoughts? </p>

<p>ACT: 32 twice - superstore 33
APs: Euro 5 and expecting 4/5 on Lang, US, and Environmental
GPA- 4.5 weighted and 3.9/4 unweighted </p>

<p>Subjects Tests: (all taken this past june except world which was taken june last year)
US History - 760
(probably could have done a bit better but not worth it at this point)
Lit - 710
(I worked very hard on lit before the test and am honestly not sure I could do much better... :( even though I was expecting higher )
World History - 680
(taken at the end of sophomore year without a world history course - it was divided over several years but I love history and self tutored - I think I could do much better now as I have developed as a student and test taker in the year since)
Spanish - 610
(I was very disappointed with this score even though I have not taken AP spanish yet, but I need to improve on this because I am interested in foreign policy and especially Georgetown School of Foreign Service where they stress the importance on languages). </p>

<p>Any input or suggestions are appreciated! Thanks :) </p>

2

<p>Also do schools frown on taking two in the same subject area? for example world and us history? </p>

3

<p>Not necessarily, but variety is usually good. Don’t sweat it about the languages, Spanish has one of the hardest curves considering how many native speakers take it. IMO Lit is more critical reading based that is more about inferring, using context clues, ect. than actual memorization, which is the opposite of world history. All else equal, Lit might be the easiest one to retake. Alternatively, are you going to take any courses or have taken any courses such as bio or chem that are more recent or math that you might be able to easily prepare for? That could be an option</p>

4

<p>Thanks @shawnspencer but unfortunately I am not taking sciences because I’m taking three histories this year and math is by far not my strong suit. Also have you taken Lit/have any suggestions because I worked very hard preparing for it and am honestly not sure how I can improve much more. </p>

5

<p>For Georgetown, the Lit is fine; I would focus on the Spanish.</p>

6

<p>I have taken Lit. I managed to score a 760, but honestly I think it depends on the test, as my first score was much lower. Some tips in general is to pay attention to timing and to only choose an answer if it is 100% supported in the text and you can point to the spot where you found it, not just one that sounds right or sounds like a smart English answer. After that, there’s a free college board test on their website. Many have suggested Kaplan is also good for their lit tests.</p>