What's a good enough SAT II score that I don't need to/shouldn't retake it?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Massachusetts Institute of Technology
1

I’m stressing a little over my SAT II scores. My SAT I is a 1560, 760RW/800M, and I got an 800 on math II. But only a 700 on bio-E. I retook bio-E plus the chemistry subject test, and am anxiously awaiting those scores. I have the option of taking the November SAT II (I’m applying EA).

Freshman year I took regular bio (only thing offered for freshmen), then regular chem sophomore year (no honors available), and honors physics junior year. I should have taken physics and bio when I took the subject tests in June, but I was really nervous about physics and bio seemed easier. Except I didn’t account for how much harsher the bio curve is, compared to physics, so in hindsight I probably would have done well on physics.

I was planning on taking AP Bio this year, so I figured just being in the class would help me improve my score. But then I switched to AP Chem and don’t think I did that well on the chemistry subject test-- I had a lot blank, although I think I got nearly all of the rest right.

So, since I get my scores tomorrow, what’s a good enough score that I don’t need to worry about retaking again? Honestly prepping for a standardized test seems sort of like a waste of my time when I could be polishing my essays or studying for my actual classes or doing a million other things. But I also don’t want to seriously hurt my chances. I know MITChris said that they look for SAT scores that start with a “7”, but is it ok if the 7 is followed by two 0’s?

2

The answer to your last question is yes. MIT Chris is being honest. He agrees that there are a million other better ways to spend your time. Go and do something worthwhile with your time. If you don’t get accepted to MIT, that one test score will not be the reason. Especially since your other scores are stellar.

3

Ok so my subject test scores were really bad, luckily MIT has score choice but I’m kinda freaking out…

4

@UglyMom Thanks for the reply!

I feel a little better now, I’m disappointed in my scores but I know they’re not the most important thing.

I noticed that MIT has not posted the current SAT subject test 25th/75th percentiles, at least anywhere I can find them. Anybody know where to find those? Is there a reason they aren’t posted on the MIT admissions statistics page anymore?

5

I am thinking that MIT is so unlikely for even the strongest students, that you should go ahead and apply, then focus your efforts on thinking about other universities where your chances are stronger.

6

@DadTwoGirls That’s a good idea. I’m actually looking for more safety/low match schools right now (I already have some, but I’d like some OOS ones). I think it’s probably better to spend some of that time on my essays as well.