<p>Let me change my advice given the NMSF stuff:</p>
<p>If you are above the PSAT cutoff for SF status, consider taking the SAT. HOWEVER, they get so many Finalists that it doesn't really help/hurt if you are/aren't one. I would suggest first taking the SAT IIs and NOT studying for the SAT unless you have tons of time. Because they are a bit low for Stanford, I would definitely concentrate on those and NOT take the SAT I until you are comfortable with your Subject Test scores.</p>
<p>Alright, will do. What would be decent Stanford SAT II scores? Namely, as they suggest taking two, which (if not all) should I retake? I'm out of Chemistry AP now, so I might do worse on a retake of that one.</p>
<p>I know the math is low, but as Stanford only recommends two, I was thinking of retaking only the literature test, as I normally consider it my strongest subject and know I can improve.</p>
<p>Chemistry is fine. I know they recommend two, but one of those should definitely be Math I or Math II. That means that you should retake the II. A competitive score for that SAT II is 750+. It may take a lot of studying, but there are a lot of applicants who score very well on Math II. In addition, you don't have the SAT I Math score to back it up (although you do have the ACT). I would focus most of your energy on that.</p>
<p>The second test depends on the rest of your application. If you are applying as a math-science person, then only take the Math II and submit the Chem. You're done! If you are a humanities person, pull up the Lit by 30 or 40 points (at least 750+). Because I strongly suggest that you take the Math II again, adding on the Lit won't take up any more test days since you obviously can take two on the same day.</p>
<p>In other words, I would consider a competitive SAT II score to be 750+, which is what you should aim for with the Math II especially.</p>
<p>Alright, I just signed up for the early October test date for the Math II and Lit tests. I'm just wondering, wouldn't the combination of Literature and Chemistry in addition to my ACT score show a more rounded academic acumen then Math/Lit or Math/Chem? (I'm going for the humanities approach, as well.)</p>
<p>Mmm...Given that the tests are optional, you probably would be fine with submitting the Chem and the Lit assuming that the Lit was very high (again, 750+). From their website:</p>
<p>"However, if you elect to take a math test, we do prefer to see the Math Level 2 test if you feel that your math background has adequately prepared you for this test." </p>
<p>Just keep this in mind. This only applies if you are taking a Math Test. However, I bet that if Stanford had to pick two tests that they would love to see the most, Math II would be on their. It's a pretty standard test for most colleges. I am sure that you are looking at schools other than Stanford, and at least a few of those probably require the Math II. That's why I suggest that you take it.</p>
<p>lol, no problem. I am in the process of taking standardized tests (actually, I am waiting for SAT II scores and hoping that I am completely done with standardized testing). My opinions are from the perspective of someone who has gone mad making sure that all requirements were met...</p>