Retaking Subject Tests

Sci-Fry · 05-03-2009, 08:41 AM

Hi,

I had initially planned to take the Math IIC and Physics subject tests in October, but what I have come to realize is that this probably won't give me any opportunity to retake them before early applications.

First off, is it fine for me to retake a subject test? Do universities look down upon this or do they not care? Do they see both your scores or only your better one?

The reason I'm asking is because I wouldn't mind taking the subject test in June, just in case it goes well (I'm aiming for an 800) and it would take of a lot of stress over the summer. However, I've only taken the Barron's practice test on which I scored 680-700 (although I hear that it's quite a lot harder than the actual one). I have now covered just about all of the topics at school (I'm an IB Math HL student, averaging a grade 7).

Do you think it's worth taking the test early just to try my luck? I won't have much time to study for the subject test, but I'll anyway be studying for my end of year exams for Math HL. Does it look bad to universities if I get a crappy grade now, but then do better in October?

Thanks

toadstool · 05-03-2009, 09:08 AM

D's school recommends that subject tests be taken as soon as possible after completing the qualifying class. One forgets over the summer.

If you are considering additional self study over the summer, please look deep in your heart - will you really do the tons of study required to overcome the forgetfulness factor?

Also taking test early and often helps fine tune the list of colleges to visit and essays to write over the summer.

Sci-Fry · 05-03-2009, 09:26 AM

Thanks for the response.

I would actually be completing my Math HL class next year, and would have my IB exams in May 2010 so I would have to stay consistent (I'll also be attending an IB course over the summer). So I'll definitely be working over the summer. My main concern is how universities look at people retaking subject tests. Is it bad, or is it quite common? I think it's worth getting a grasp of the test before the summer in case I need to retake afterwards.

Thanks

anamai · 05-03-2009, 06:22 PM

i think universities don't look down on it..my sister, a senior, took literature twice and improved..i think the main thing is if you improve or not..

Sci-Fry · 05-03-2009, 06:33 PM

Thanks for the responses. I'm pretty sure that I'd improve over the summer after doing more practice tests etc. I'll probably sign up for it tomorrow (it's the last day for signing up!)

potentenum · 05-04-2009, 06:17 AM

At what score in the 700s would you recommend NOT retaking the SAT Subject Test? Like if you're at a 750 or something ... and assume that you think you can improve.

Sci-Fry · 05-04-2009, 11:01 AM

I know that I'm aiming for 800 because I know I'm capable of achieving it. So if I were to get 750 I'd retake, but I suppose it depends on whether you think you could do better or not, and whether it would be worth the extra time and effort.

Math is probably my strongest subject, so I'd want to show universities my full potential.