SAT Physics vs. AP Physics B?

wthalexis1 · 11-03-2009, 07:40 PM

Hi, I earned a 690 on my Physics subject last June and I'm retaking it this week. Problem is I haven't seen most of the material tested on the test since then. I got a 5 on my Physics B test which covers almost everything the subject test does. Should I try to raise my physics sat score, or will the 5 in AP Physics B be enough to show my competence in physics? Also, would taking the test in Nov. delay my application reviewment until the scores come in around the 27th or impact it in a negative way?

lidusha · 11-03-2009, 09:40 PM

I think you should retake the Physics subject test. I'm sure you'd be okay if you didn't, but it's always good to be safe.

Try studying for it using Barron's or Princeton Review. They helped me a lot.

Djokovic · 11-03-2009, 10:27 PM

Colleges don't really weight AP tests as much as SAT II's.

At least that is my impression

k4r3n2 · 11-03-2009, 10:52 PM

^^^ AP tests are also self-reported until after you're admitted.

I think that a 690 is probably fine, but if you're concerned about it, you can retake it. I probably wouldn't have, especially if the breakdown of the SAT II puts you in the top 10% of test-takers.

*mcgmit* · 11-03-2009, 11:04 PM

This is an interesting pattern that we see with a large number of applicants/admitted students. Keep in mind that standardized test scores are a small part of your overall application. When we see your scores, we also see when you took the test. Kids who take subject tests RIGHT AFTER they finish a related course have the information fresh in their mind and might do better on the exams. Kids who take subject tests several months after finishing a related course might not have the information so at hand, and might not do as well on the exams. It's highly dependent on the exam-taker, too.

That 5 is excellent, W, and, since we ask about your AP exam scores on the application, we should see that you received that score. (Provided you put it on your application!) All of your scores, essays, transcripts, letters, and interview get smooshed together and both subject tests and AP tests are a part of this ball of wax.

-McGreggor

wthalexis1 · 11-04-2009, 12:24 AM

Thanks, that was really helpful :], and sorry to ask again, does this mean my application will be delayed until my Nov. scores come in ? Also how would you guys know I'll be retaking the subject test, am I suppose to mention it or does collegeboard notify you? Btw, I sent MIT my AP scores just in case.

*mcgmit* · 11-04-2009, 12:48 AM

If you have CollegeBoard send us your scores directly, you do not need to rush them. They are uploaded into our system, and your application is automatically updated, as well. Remember, a school doesn't get your scores unless you release them to THAT SCHOOL SPECIFICALLY! The CollegeBoard protects your data, and if you don't want schools to see your scores, they cannot pry them out of the hands of CollegeBoard.

You can tell us on your application that you'll be taking Nov tests by using the self-reported test score section. You can also email us to let us know you'll be taking those exams, and we'll make a comment on your application.

These scores are only a fraction of your overall application. Your transcript is a wonderful source of pertinent information regarding your academic potential, oftentimes better than standardized tests could ever predict.

If you have absolutely no scores submitted to MIT, and I dig around in your folder and there are no scores reported on your high school transcript, your application is, for all intents and purposes, incomplete. You can track this level of completeness on your MyMIT tracking page, so when the Nov scores come in, you will be assured that the system will be automatically updated.

There are many, many, many kids in the same boat as you: they will be using November test scores for their application. We're used to it! By the time our admissions machine finally gets rolling, Nov scores will be in, cases will be complete, and it will be time for us to sift through the EA applications. Every year, year in, year out, it is like this, W. There's no advantage/disadvantage to taking the November test.

-McGreggor

u§ername · 11-04-2009, 02:45 PM

If the test scores update automatically, how does MIT know if an applicants scores have been updated? I mean what if a person had an otherwise good application, but had a horrible test score so they app was discarded. However, they then retook the test, and got a great score. Will admins be able to or even bother looking over these applicant's applications again?

An0maly · 11-04-2009, 04:46 PM

I think if a person had a horrible test score, but MIT knew that they are taking the test in November, they would just postpone the review until later.

molliebatmit · 11-04-2009, 08:17 PM

Quote:

I mean what if a person had an otherwise good application, but had a horrible test score so they app was discarded.

That doesn't really happen, regardless.

From the admissions webpage (http://www.mitadmissions.org/topics/.../index.shtml):

Quote:

Once your application is complete, it will first be read by a senior admissions officer who will consider your application in a holistic manner, within its proper context. Strong applications will then be evaluated by another admissions officer who will summarize it at length for the committee. Next, members of the admissions committee, which may include a faculty member, will do additional evaluations and summaries of the application.

These summaries, along with your application, will then go to the selection committee, where multiple groups of different admissions staff and faculty members will weigh in. At least a dozen people will significantly discuss and debate an application before it is placed in the admit pile.

ihs76 · 11-04-2009, 10:51 PM

^^I find that quote interesting. It starts off with

Quote:

it will first be read by a senior admissions officer who will consider your application in a holistic manner, within its proper context.

which sounds fine. But the next line is

Quote:

Strong applications will then be evaluated by another admissions officer

So 'weak' applications are set aside after the initial read? The first 'senior admissions officer' gets to decide by him/herself that that's the end of the road for those not deemed 'strong?' Seems a bit harsh. What percentage of apps get this abbreviated treatment, I wonder.

molliebatmit · 11-04-2009, 11:03 PM

I can't find Ben's original entry (which is what the website summary derives from), but the original words he used were something like "screening applications for obvious red flags like a string of D's." My impression is that a vanishingly small number of clearly non-competitive applications are weeded out at this first stage.

EDIT: Ah, found it (emphasis mine):

Quote:

First you apply. Your application is read by a senior staff member who will look for deal-breakers (like a bunch of D's, for example). Assuming you're competitive, your application is then read by a primary reader who will summarize it at length for the committee. Then a second reader (and sometimes a third) will read and write their own summaries. Then it will go to selection committee, where multiple groups of different admissions staff and faculty members will weigh in on it. Assuming you've made it that far, the senior staff will then review it again. Approximately 12 people (give or take) will significantly discuss and debate your application before you're admitted. This is all very intentional; committee decisions ensure that every decision is correct in the context of the overall applicant pool, and that no one individual's bias or preferences or familiarity with a given case has any chance of swaying a decision unfairly.

u§ername · 11-05-2009, 02:38 AM

yeah, Say such an applicant had a good application, but low scores (like Ds, but with SATs instead of GPA)

And gets weeded out. However this student then scored 2400. Would he get reviewed again?

molliebatmit · 11-05-2009, 08:17 AM

I can't imagine that an applicant capable of achieving a 2400 would get a score comparable to a string of Ds (which would be, in my mind, something like a 900? 1200?), then write it on his/her application without indicating that a re-take was in progress.

My personal guess is that any applications weeded out in the initial read are totally noncompetitive -- that they wouldn't be competitive even with a perfect SAT score, because they show deficiencies throughout.

ihs76 · 11-05-2009, 09:13 AM

Thanks, mollie. Makes more sense.