Is it better to have a relatively low SAT score and have good subject tests or should I focus on improving my SAT scores as much as I can and forget about the subject tests?
I am applying to chemical engineering at Berkeley, Irvine, Riverside, Santa Cruz, Riverside, Los Angeles and San Diego. I’ve got a 1130, 530 M and 600 RW. Thanks!
Have you taken any subject tests yet? Are they recommended for that major?
http://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/freshman/requirements/examination-requirement/SAT-subject-tests/ lists UC subject test recommendations (not requirements).
UCs generally do not emphasize SAT/ACT scores that much, but scores far below the typical range for the campus and major are likely to make your chances worse.
@siliconvalleymom yes, they are recommended.
@ucbalumnus so what should I do? Try to raise my SAT scores or just take the subject tests? I also heard that the more competitive schools such as UCLA, Berkeley, and San Diego won’t even consider you if you don’t have subject tests. My UC gpa is 4.05 which is already below average for engineering, I don’t know what to do anymore.
Study and retake your SAT. Take Math II and a SAT science. Your SAT is extremely low. If it were in the 1400+ range, you’d have a decent chance
@Jpgranier the thing is December is my last time to take any test, I had no idea how important test scores until my senior year. So should I just focus on improving my SAT scores then?
Your SAT is more important that subject tests by far. Devote all your study time to that rather than being spread thin between three tests.
@Jpgranier I’ll do that, thank you!
What your GPA? That’s a tough major and some top schools. I think you need to get the SAT up before you worry about and subject tests.
@arc918 my UC GPA is a 4.05, which I believe is a little below average for engineering.
http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/1903428-faq-uc-historical-frosh-admit-rates-by-hs-gpa.html shows past UC admission rates by HS GPA. Yours is in the range that often leads to disappointment at UCSB, UCD, and UCI, particularly when applying for more competitive majors (which engineering majors often are).
@ucbalumnus that’s very interesting, I’ll check the thread. At least I know that I tried my best and I’m happy going to any schools that are on my list, even if it’s a CSU. Thanks!
Not gonna be a popular answer but, if my kid had a 4.05 and 1130 SAT and was interested in studying engineering at at your listed schools,I’d counsel him to let his scores stand and enjoy the rest of Sr year.
With your stats, UCSC and UCR are highly likely to accept you. Even with a 1400 SAT and a couple of 700 subject tests (which i presume is at the edge of possible), UCB/UCLA/UCSD are unlikely to offer you admission.
Not on your list but, UCSB, UCD and UCI could be swayed by a smoking SAT score and compelling essays but, you;d have to put in lots of hours for a maybe… since they weren’t on your list, I presume you aren’t dying to go there - that’s not how I’d spend precious hours of my Sr year.
I’d encourage you to add SDSU and both Cal Polys to your list (SLO is unlikely with your stats but, worth a shot)
Good luck
^^^I totally get that approach. Might be too much in too little time. On top of trying to add two last minute subject tests, they will be getting ready for finals. When a UC says subject tests are strongly recommended for engineering that equals required (UCLA/UCB). You have to have them to be considered at those schools.
oops posted in wrong thread, sorry
@NCalRent thank you for your advise, it makes me feel better that I tried my best. I have most of the UC’s on my list except for Santa Barbara and Merced, as well as SJSU, CPP, CSULB and SDSU. I recently visited UCI and I loved it, at this point I’m just trying to relax and hope for the best.