<p>i was just wondering what range of SAT 2 scores i should be trying to get for the most selective schools</p>
<p>i took SAT 2's in may and got a 700 in US History and a 740 in Spanish. I know those aren't your perfect 800's like i feel like most people here have, but i'm wondering how important scores are.</p>
<p>some people say that colleges simply see if your SAT 2 scores are high enough, i.e. if they're above a certain point then the admissions reps go past them. others say otherwise. do you think those 2 scores are alright or should i retake? (US history is going to be hard to retake, but i can easily retake spanish)</p>
<p>thanks :)</p>
<p>From what I've heard, your scores are fine. A lot of people, even on CC, get into HYP with those kinds of scores. Focus on the other admission criteria, especially the essay and interview. This is where you can really make yourself stand out. Your scores and ECs don't really communicate much to the admissions committee.</p>
<p>The essay and interview are certainly important, but I wouldn't say that scores and ECs don't communicate much to the admissions committee. They still form the primary basis for selection at elite universities.</p>
<p>My own theory about SAT IIs is that everyone should aim for 800s. I know that this sounds a bit ridiculous, but the principle behind it is that it's much easier to prepare for the SAT IIs than, say, to prepare for the SAT I, or to "invent" a passion to boost ECs. </p>
<p>With enough studying (and I think that, properly directed, there wouldn't even have to be that much - certainly less than the amount of studying many people on this board do for the SAT I), almost any good student can get 800s on most of the tests. Certainly, this isn't true for any other College Board tests, so why not take advantage of the situation?</p>
<p>i have to disagree with the last poster. i think although some might be able to get all 800s on their SATs I in fact have never talked to someone who has gotten one 800. I think having a goal to get about say 750 is good, but to get an 800 you have to be smart, prepared, and lucky. Of course I agree that preparation is very important!</p>
<p>lucky to get 800? are you suggesting that the 10% of math2c test takers who get perfect 800s are lucky?</p>
<p>The SAT2s are scored very leniantly compared to SAT1(which is completely based on bell-shaped curve:700 is 95% etc.). 8 wrong on math2c out of 50 questions will still get you an 800.</p>
<p>while people should aim high(780+ w/prep or good class) they should not be dissapointed with anything above 750(except math2c..a 750 puts u at like 75 percentile..). Also, if you're Chinese and get 790 you should be VERY dissapointed(47 percentile lol)</p>
<p>and i think if you're in the 750 club they really don't shine the light at it(which is good). Its kind of one of those things that can bring you down if you do poorly, but wont really help you.</p>
<p>You would think it is easy to get an 800 if you study your ass off</p>
<p>But I know a lot of people who are smart, who do get good grades, but still don't get what they expect(very high scores nonetheless)</p>
<p>Final Word: Its not as simple as you think. Don't say anything until you pull off at least two 800(IIc and ic doesnt count! ;))</p>