Hey guys, so currently I have a pretty mediocre SAT Score with a 1260 and I was hoping if I have a 750+ on both Biology E and Math Level 2. Could that kind of offset the score a bit. In other words, how much can a good SAT Subject Test Score help in college applications?
Since most colleges do not require SAT IIs anymore, a good score probably wouldn’t help your application very much. Even for colleges that do require SAT IIs, it wouldn’t offset that SAT score.
I would focus on raising your SAT score first, it’s the most important besides high school transcript.
All ivy league schools use a statistical tool called the Academic Index (AI), which mathematically combines your SAT scores, two highest SAT Subject Test scores, GPA/rank into a three-digit number. Although the tool is primarily used for recruited athletes, an AI score is calculated on every applicant and printed on your folder – sort of as a shorthand for Admissions Directors to immediately access your stats.
In terms of the Academic Index, mediocre SAT Subject Test scores will lower your overall AI. How much it lowers it depends on how high your SAT (or translated ACT score) is, along with your rank. If both of those are high, then it shouldn’t matter. I suggest you run the numbers to understand your AI: http://www.collegeconfidential.com/academic_index/.
Beyond that, Admissions often compares SAT Subject Test scores and AP scores to your transcript grades to determine if your school has grade inflation. (If a student received an A in a class, but received a 630 on the SAT Subject test, that might indicate a lenient high school grading policy.)
Other than that, higher SAT Subject Test scores will not necessarily increase your chance of acceptance, as applications are read holistically.
If you’re interested, this is a good read to understand how different college’s read applications: https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2012/04/09/new-research-how-elite-colleges-make-admissions-decisions
@gibby How does it work with the AI if someone doesn’t take the Subject tests because at some Ivy schools they are optional now. Does it just automatically lower the AI?
^^ I don’t know. Harvard has not been forthcoming on how they calculate AI scores when an applicant doesn’t submit two SAT Subject tests. I would think Admissions would have to guesstimate a student’s SAT Subject test scores – maybe based off of their SAT scores – but I really don’t know the answer.
Your SAT range is way below what’s typically considered even a viable applicant in the insanely qualified applicant pool. They’re already denying 95% of applicants. Your sub-optimal SAT (regardless of SAT2) makes your Harvard candidacy a near impossibility.
For comparison, my kid’s HS averaged 1334 on the SAT.
I think you can help yourself by either retaking the SAT or take the ACT rather than take the SAT2. Very few schools require SAT2s. Your likely target schools won’t require it and an improvement w/your SAT/ACT may help you with more choices.
Previously you’ve enquired about engineering at Harvard, USC, MIT and UCB. With this SAT, none are viable. Even if you improve dramatically or get 800s on SAT2s, your odds (and everyone else’s) are still awful.
You’ve GOT to apply to a wide suite of likely colleges. Don’t let chasing the “dream” school define the bulk of your college search. Get admitted to a bunch of great/affordable schools – and drop a dream college app or two along the way if you’re so inclined. Any other strategy will lead to grave disappointment. Good luck