Will past bad tests affect my admission chances?

So, I took the SAT Subject tests in May, generally just as a practice, not expecting too much/not realizing I would have to report them later.

I got a 790 on Math II and a 680 on Physics - both unacceptable scores by my standards (ironically, I got a 5 on the AP Physics C test just a few days later). I didn’t know much of the E&M material at all, which I’ve been studying since.

Now, I’m taking these tests again in a few days and expect do much better but I’m wondering if those past scores will be considered at all by my colleges (applying REA to Georgetown).

Thoughts? Am I freaking out over nothing?

Calling a 790 a bad score is both disingenuous and disconcerting.

To answer your question, if you score higher than 680 on Physics, then no, your 680 won’t matter; anybody can have a bad test day.

Your retaking a 790 will have no positive affect at all, IMO; the retake will be viewed as neutral at best. Alternatively, the AO might wonder if there’s more to you than just a test taking drone with nothing better to do on a Saturday.

Yeah, I guess I shouldn’t call a 790 bad by any means, sorry, I’m just stressing out a bit too much.
Thanks for the response! I can promise that I’m not a test-taking drone :slight_smile:

I think that you saying a 790/800 on a SAT Subject Test II already gives me the impression of you being ill-mannered and too much of a perfectionist. Retaking it will not be seen as useful whatsoever, and will show admission officers the same characteristics as I mentioned above.

You can take the Physics Subject Tests as many times as you want but PLEASE don’t retake it if you get even over a 700. Ivy schools like Harvard even accept students with at least a 700. You’re just stressing yourself out and making a fool of yourself.

Hope I helped! :slight_smile: