<p>I took the November SAT II tests in Biology E and Literature, scoring 690 and 680 respectively. Most of the schools that I am applying to are relatively selective (< 20%). Many of these selective schools “strongly suggest” two scores sent in, but don’t require them. I’m wondering now if the scores are worth sending as part of my application at this point because they are rather low.
Keep in mind I am not trying to get college credit for these tests; I only want to know if they are necessary as part of my application.</p>
<p>Hi,</p>
<p>Do you have the percentiles of each of the two scores? Based on the 2012 College Board Subject Test Percentile Ranks (<a href=“http://media.collegeboard.com/digitalServices/pdf/research/SAT-Subject-Tests-Percentile-Ranks-2012.pdf[/url]”>http://media.collegeboard.com/digitalServices/pdf/research/SAT-Subject-Tests-Percentile-Ranks-2012.pdf</a>), these scores would have ranked you in the 70th (Bio-E) and 71st (Lit) percentiles. If these percentiles are similar or better for this year, I recommend you send them as part of your application.</p>
<p>There are two reasons I see why you should include them:
- College applications are comprehensive. You probably already know this; your college applications are typically evaluated based on a number of factors, including your GPA, sports/clubs/extra-curriculars, classes taken, personal statements, your exam scores, awards, etc. Considering this, I think applications that have more “stuff” in them can indicate very involved students. In general, I think colleges are willing to accept more involved students because they can be a better investment for their campus (i.e., a student that does more in school does more FOR that school). Including your Bio-E and Lit SAT II scores may show that you like a variety of topics and perhaps aren’t afraid to challenge yourself. Since the selective schools strongly suggest two scores sent in, it may imply that they want to see this level of involvement in students.</p>
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<li>Statistically, your scores are not that bad, considering the 2012 percentile range and the selection ratio of your colleges. Assume that all applicants for a college took the SAT II Subject Tests in those areas (hardly true - in fact, I bet there are some applicants like you who are considering not submitting SAT II scores). Also assume that this colleges only admits based on these two tests. If this college has a 20% selection ratio, then it would technically only admit people at the 80th percentile or higher.
You might think that having scored in the 70th and 71st percentiles is a bad thing because it is lower than the 80th percentile. However, the two above assumptions I had to make are very flawed. I would imagine that applicants take a variety of subject tests, and some applicants won’t submit subject test scores at all. This would probably lower the overall percentile they accept for Lit and Bio-E tests.</li>
</ol>
<p>Of course, argument #2 is somewhat risky. If you have more information about these colleges (i.e. what SAT II scores they are interested in), that would be more helpful for your decision. Then again, I believe argument #2 is fairly valid without more information, and regardless, argument #1 holds true.</p>
<p>Reach out to your teachers/parents/peers to see what they recommend. Just my two cents. Good luck!</p>
<p>I presume that all of the schools that you are applying to are score choice for the SAT II? Would you be up for taking them again in Dec. or Jan? I know it’s late, but does it hurt to send them in late just in case maybe you end up on the waiting list down the road? </p>
<p>If you are applying to score choice only schools, it doesn’t matter how many times you take them, right?</p>
<p>Grad, thank you so much for your insight. I will now consult several people about this… I would’ve never guessed that the application process would be so incredibly stressful.</p>
<p>Rowerruns, I don’t think I can retake the exams at this point. It is a little too late, I believe.</p>
<p>[Average</a> SAT Scores - SAT Subject Tests](<a href=“http://professionals.collegeboard.com/testing/sat-subject/scores/average]Average”>SAT Suite of Assessments - College Board Research)</p>
<p>Average scores 2013- at least I’m above average… </p>
<p>I checked and for both I’m at about the 68-69th percentile. Not bad, but not good either. Is it really worth it to send them?</p>
<p>Sasori,</p>
<p>Sorry for the late response. I did not know how to set subscription notifications when I first responded to your question. My suggestion is to still submit them, since they are close to the 70th percentile. Again, definitely consult with others before taking my word for this.</p>
<p>I think Rowerruns is correct. If you end up on the waiting list and try to appeal the decision (assuming appeals are accepted - I would check with each school), then you will have a much stronger argument if you retook the tests (or any subject tests, really) and have higher scores to back you up. If retaking, ideally aim for >80 percentiles as your new goal scores. Good luck!</p>
<p>I should add that you can expect a broad spectrum of applicants even at these highly selective schools. Typically one big reason they are highly selective in the first place is because they get so much attention (and therefore a ridiculous number of applications).</p>
<p>This means that you can probably expect a normal distribution of SAT II scores. In other words, don’t worry too much if the distribution is “skewed” to the right (i.e. more high performing applicants). I know many peers who applied to highly selective schools “just to see if they could get in”; including me :)</p>