I’m in a predicament!
I took the December 5th, 2015 SAT Reasoning Test and got a 2000 (M: 730 CR: 630 W: 640) which I know doesn’t reflect my academic abilities. The colleges I will be applying to definetely have a much higher 50th percentile score (say 2150-ish). My low score is due to my last minute decision to apply to the US (I’m Canadian) and I really only had 1-2 weeks to actually prepare on top of my regular school work (most of it was the night-before studying).
However, a lot of my colleges also require 2 SAT subject tests which I can take on January 23rd, 2016. I can either retake the SAT Reasoning test and get a higher score and submit my application without the subject scores OR I can take the 2 subject tests and settle with my 2000.
Which test should I do? Which one would be more advantageous for me?
Other stats:
IB student - HL: math (5) english (6) econ (6/7) SL: french (6) chem (7) physics (6)
ECs: co-president of arts council, president of multicultural arts council, DECA (provincials), FBLA (provincials), entrenpreneurship programs and a few other clubs. ****I know that’s not a lot but I’m VERY passionate about those I mentioned
Awards: a few national math awards, leadership awards, piano awards from when i was younger (does that even count?)
Ethnicity: Bengali
Citizenship: Canadian
Income Bracket: ~140K USD
…can’t remember anything else. PLEASE respond, regular registration deadline for Jan 23 SAT is tonight.
Thanks!!! <3
I mean if they require 2 subject tests, then you have to take them.
If they only recommend them, then taking the extra SAT might be the better option.
@bhaque13 :
Your SAT reasoning score isn’t all that bad. A lot of the more selective schools that you might be applying to will actually require or at least strongly recommend two subject tests. I’d suggest that you register to take Math Level 2 and a science subject test. It’ll open more doors in terms of schools that you’ll be eligible to apply to.
@rdeng2614
On the admissions website, it does say that 2 subject tests are “required” however an admissions officer told me that I wouldn’t be disqualified without the two scores; I’d only be at a disadvantage. That’s why I was asking. But thank you for your opinion!
@UPennSEAS2020
I’m planning on taking Math Level 2 and French just because the sciences aren’t really my strong suit. But if I were to take a science, it’d be Chemistry but I’d rather not. Thanks for the opinion, I was freaking out.
If the officer said you’re going to be at a disadvantage, then I’d probably go for the subject tests. If you don’t mind me asking, what school is this?
Piano awards from when you were younger unfortunately do not count.
What do the numbers mean? —>“HL: math (5) english (6) econ (6/7) SL: french (6) chem (7) physics (6)”
Your IB Predicted marks look good. I’d urge you to retake the SAT unless the school requires SAT subject tests. In my opinion, a 2150 SAT with no subject tests is stronger than a 2000 SAT with two mediocre to decent subject tests.
With a 2000 SAT and no subject tests, why are you applying to schools that have higher stats and recommendations on subject tests?
@rdeng2614
I’ll be applying to Columbia, Cornell and NYU (I meet their requirements).
@ItsPanicTime12
The numbers are my predicted grades for those classes. Each course is graded on a scale of 1-7.
@golfcashoahu
I’m applying because those are the schools I want to attend. I realize that my SAT score is low, but it doesn’t hurt to try. And I’m confident I can do well on my subject tests so hopefully it’ll work out for me.