What is considered a good SAT II score?

mintjingle
Sat, 03 Jan 2009 14:08:01 +0000

In general, it seems that anything 700 or over meets what most people on CC would call an “acceptable” score; however, as lurker mentioned, the process is holistic and one or two below average SAT II scores will not keep you out if the rest of your application is fantastic.

But, to break it down further if you feel it is important: For any SAT II test

700-730 Acceptable for a subject that you would not consider a “strength” or “main interest”. For example, 720 Chemistry for a “History Buff” app with 750+ on other two would be just fine.
740-790 Acceptable for a subject that you would consider a “strength” or “main interest”; Favorable for all others. For example, 770 Biology would be a fine score for someone with an express interest in Bio; 770 Biology would be favorable for a Classics major with 800 in Lit and History (but don’t count on it being a tipping factor, just a “positive”)
800 Favorable for both a subject considered a “strength” or “main interest” and for all others. Multiple 800s are a definite plus (but diversity is important - 800 Chem 800 Physics 800 Math IIC would not be as favorable as 800 Math IIC, 800 Lit, 770 Korean with listening for a non-native speaker; the first set are three “math-based” SAT IIs and the second set requires more broad abilities)

Keep in mind though… 2400 SAT 2400 SAT IIs will not make up for a boring application/lack of vitality, but will give a huge boost to someone who is involved enough to be an “interesting” applicant.