Out of the following SAT II scores, which ones should I send to Ivy Leagues and other top schools? Which would be looked upon favorably at “Tier II” schools like Tufts?
Math II: 800
U.S. History: 750
Literature: 740
Chemistry: 680
French (w/out listening): 660
Math 2 definitely. History and Lit a toss up. Are you indicating an interest in a particular major? Does your HS record and EC’s indicate a particular set of interests, although History and Lit are both fine for non STEM leaning applicants? Are you self reporting AP scores, and what would those be?
The highest 2 (or 3).
I’m an upcoming senior right now, so I’m not positive whether I’ll indicate a major on college apps. Right now I’m considering International Relations, though, for which I think knowledge and proficiency in humanities subjects (especially history) is definitely a plus. Yes, I’ll self report AP scores, which are: AP Lang & Comp: 5, APUSH: 5, Physics 1: 4
I realize I don’t have as many APs as many Ivy applicants. It is a consequence of school policy, not personal choice.
I’d go with Math2 and History unless a 740 Lit is in a much higher percentile than a 750 Hist. But honestly, you have checked the box with either score for this part of your app.
Okay, thanks for your input. I’m thinking I may just submit the top three; I don’t see how a 740 could possibly count against me honestly.
The thing I don’t understand is why people have so much higher standards for SAT Subject Tests than the regular SAT. For example, I got a 1560 on the SAT I, which is in the 99+th percentile and regarded as an Ivy-level score. However, I thought the 750 on USH was much more difficult to achieve—I had to fly through the test, do ample studying beforehand, and recall obscure knowledge from the very depths of my brain, only to land in a mediocre percentile. What’s your take on this? Do you think people misjudge SAT IIs, at least compared to the normal SAT? IMHO, 780 SAT II >> 1600 SAT for some of the harder tests.
The reason is the kids who take the SAT2’s are a more selective group than those who take the SAT1. You have higher achievers, and probably higher achievers for that particular subject so the percentile curve is harsher.
Yeah I understand that. It just seems like people, especially on forums like these, don’t keep that in mind when they’re gauging how good a score is.
The 2nd and 3rd scores are close, so I would send the top 3.
740 on lit is more impressive
@Inquirer1938482 General rule of thumb is that 750+ helps you; 700-750 won’t hurt you (save Math II which tends to skew higher), and less than 700, you might not want to send. As mentioned upthread, don’t sweat the percentages. Math II 800 is often a low 80th % score.
Lit is one of the most difficult to obtain a high score. The 740 is impressive.
I think you could send the top three scores with confidence.