I’m a high school sophomore who recently finished up my May 5th SAT US History exam (score of 750 | 81st percentile). I studied roughly 3 days in advance, and was fairly confident for a 790 or 800 going into the exam. Admittedly, there were some questions I knew I would miss, but I didn’t think that would throw off my score so much.
Next month I’ll test for Math II. I could easily tack on another US History exam if I so choose. I’m planning on majoring in computer science and will send in 3 subject tests: us history, math II, and physics. Would it be a waste of time to retake?
I can’t imagine that a higher history score would make any difference on an application. I would not retake.
@nick3162
General rule of thumb is 750+ is good enough for just about anywhere (unless you’re doing Math II and want to get into MIT or CalTech). Don’t sweat the percentages - the number of students that take the subject tests is both very small and very academically ambitious. A perfect 800 in the math II usually is around a 85% result.
That’s a very fine score! Congrats.
Computer science is a very competitive major. Although the 2 previous posters have justification, I would study for Us History again and aim for an 800. Like you said, you only studied 3 days and achieved 750. Study a bit more and go for a perfect score. You can do it! Plus, you have the info fresh in your mind, so it’ll be easier studying for it. Don’t take any chances when it comes to college admissions. If you actually a little more time to invest into studying for it, then go for it.
Most schools don’t even require subject tests. Are u sure u even need them?
@gardenstategal @mamaedefamilia
Thanks for your feedback, I think I’ve settled on only taking Math II this coming test session.
@suzyQ7
It’s not unreasonable to think that with my other application prospects (EC’s, grades, LOR, work experience, etc.) I can get into a T20 - T30 school. I’m planning on shotgunning roughly 15, and using Colorado School of Mines or Boulder as a backup.
Most schools in this range require SAT Subject Tests, and even if they don’t, I’m guessing high SAT II scores could strengthen the application in other ways.
@huayeye
I appreciate how you’ve taken the chance to throw out another perspective. Far too often on CC posts, any alternate views get drowned out by the forum’s ‘bandwagon’ effect.
My question would be of whether a lower/higher US History test score would make any difference on a computer science application. It’s also worth mentioning that I’m a sophomore, and I’m willing to bet that 90%+ of test takers are juniors. It’s possible they’ll express some more leniency with that in consideration.
Over the summer, I’m moving up to our state flagship to do some research. I’m also starting an internship position at a local tech company. I’m not sure the pros of a retake weigh out the cons in this case. Do you think I should still consider adding US History to the June 2nd session?
@nick3162
I really advise against making assumptions/speculations on how your application will be reviewed. No one other than the admissions team knows why a certain applicant gets accepted. With that regard, work your hardest to make the best application.
Take US History again. You already know the material just work a bit harder to get an 800. Taking it as a sophomore has no weight when your file is on the table. For example, if you took the ACT in 7th grade and got a 25, the admissions will not take that into account. They will only see the score. There is no leniency; get rid of that excuse.
Definitely, your research opportunities and activities that show your passion for computer science are more important than increasing 750 to 800. My point is: a single SAT Subject Test score might and might not lead to an acceptance or a rejection. But, if you have some time (i.e. you mentioned you only studied 3 days), go for the US History test, again.
Don’t look at scores. Look at percentiles. Let me know if you need anything else.
@huayeye Have you taken the US History subject test? The amount of material covered is extensive and it’s rather difficult to cram for it in a few days or a week. It is quite possible that the OP could take it again and have his score go down. Percentiles are also misleading for SAT II tests as I mentioned upthread. For many subjects, even an 800 does not correspond to a 99-100% score.
I would only recommend retaking US History if the OP put in some serious study and practice tests were coming in consistently higher than a 750. That’s not likely to happen if the OP is preparing for Math II and the test date is in a week. As he is currently a sophomore, he has time to take the test again at some point in the future if he chooses.
I do agree that admissions committees are not likely to take into account that the test was taken as a sophomore vs. junior. So that should not be the rationale for whether or not to retest.
@nick3162 If you do decide to retest, there are many APUSH videos on youtube that my daughter found helpful for review. SAT II and APUSH are not identical tests, but there is enough overlap that they were useful.
@mamaedefamilia
@nick3162
No, I have not. But, SAT tests are very formulaic. I did not say that the material on the test was not extensive, but judging on what OP said about cramming for just 3 days and getting a 750, I assumed it wouldn’t be difficult for him to push for an 800. Thanks for the insight…