Grades vs. Subject Tests???

Applying to College
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<p>I asked this in another forum, and got no response…</p>

<p>Hypothetically for top tier schools, would getting a B in a class but a 800 on the corresponding Subject test indicate laziness or grade deflation?</p>

<p>In my case I have gotten a B’s in multiple math class at a Magnet school, but my Subject Test scores for Math IIC is 800. To sum it up -> is that seen as bad on the student’s part (laziness) or just a sign of grade deflation?</p>

<p>By the way: I’m not a slacker or lazy. I actually had to work hard for those B’s believe it or not.</p>

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<p>For math it is more difficult to tell, because the subject test does not completely correlate with how well u=you have learned certain material, especially when you get to topics like calculus. So normally I would say the grades are a better indicator. In addition, in the math 2 test, I think it is curved so that many people end up getting 800, so the grades in the course which is yearlong would probably be better indicator. However, you’re right that they do look for inflation ect, so they look towards multiple years of math grades instead of just one. If you have a B, that shouldn’t hurt you significantly as it is still an admirable grade. Especially combined with that 800, there’s no shame in that at all.</p>

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<p>See page 2 upper right hand side: <a href=“http://www.ugadm.northwestern.edu/documents/UG_Admissions_SecondarySchoolReport.pdf”>http://www.ugadm.northwestern.edu/documents/UG_Admissions_SecondarySchoolReport.pdf&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>When you apply to college, your guidance counselor fills out the above Secondary School Report (SSR) which ask the GC to compare you to all other college bound students at your high school. So, what does this mean? Top colleges are interested in top students – that means for top tier schools, the rigor of your curriculum must be rated “Most Demanding” and your grades must place you within the top 10% of high school’s graduating class. One B on your transcript won’t kill your chances at a top tier school, but if your transcript is filled with B’s, and other student’s transcripts at your school are filled with A’s, that will probably kill your chances at a top tier school – and having a perfect 2400 on the SAT will not offset lower grades. The most important part of your application file is your transcript, as it’s a 3-year window into your potential as a scholar, while an SAT/ACT test is a 3-hour window into that same potential. </p>

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<p>@shawnspencer‌ @gibby‌ Thanks for your input guys!</p>