SAT Chem Subject Score

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't know if they are but I think subject tests SHOULD be meaningless. To do well on them either means your school teaches to the test or that you had the time and money to prep on the side. I feel like the "better" schools are moving away from them and that about the only time they hold value is for homeschooled kids who need more objective verification of their ability.

Completely agree with this. But of course I do, since my son did poorly on two subject tests (that he did not prepare for). Am I correct that he can choose to never, ever report these scores to any school? (Although I know a few schools require the tests and I've heard that certain highly selective schools require or want you to report all tests taken, based on his scores and the fact he is a B+/A- student, DC won't be applying to those schools...). Thanks

[Anonymous]

All I can tell you is that Princeton and Yale both told us they WANT to see four subject matter tests in english, history, math and chemistry, so that's what we're doing. And SAT well over 2250 and ACT of 34 or higher. You can fight semantics all you want but when you are a white male competing for the 3% of seat left over after the legacies, athletes, URMs and perfect score students get their seats you do whatever they suggest.

[Anonymous]

Middlebury is on my niece's list and has flexible testing. In other words, SAT1 OR ACT OR 3 SAT subject tests. I think colleges who follow this line of thinking would significantly lower the stress level of applicants.

Not a Middlebury booster but just think their explanation regarding tests is commendable.

http://www.middlebury.edu/admissions/start/requirements

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:All I can tell you is that Princeton and Yale both told us they WANT to see four subject matter tests in english, history, math and chemistry, so that's what we're doing. And SAT well over 2250 and ACT of 34 or higher. You can fight semantics all you want but when you are a white male competing for the 3% of seat left over after the legacies, athletes, URMs and perfect score students get their seats you do whatever they suggest.

How did they tell you? During info session? This is news to me.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:All I can tell you is that Princeton and Yale both told us they WANT to see four subject matter tests in english, history, math and chemistry, so that's what we're doing. And SAT well over 2250 and ACT of 34 or higher. You can fight semantics all you want but when you are a white male competing for the 3% of seat left over after the legacies, athletes, URMs and perfect score students get their seats you do whatever they suggest.

How did they tell you? During info session? This is news to me.

I was at the Coast to Coast information session on 6/4 in Bethesda. The Princeton representative said that as of two weeks ago (from the info date), Princeton would no longer require subject tests (optional). I don't think she was unsure of her facts.

The PP can take as many subject tests as they want but it doesn't change the fact that Princeton has stated no required subject tests on their website and in front of 300 people in the ballroom at the Bethesda Hyatt. But I do understand why the PP thinks it's necessary to take four tests for as much admission ammunition possible.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:All I can tell you is that Princeton and Yale both told us they WANT to see four subject matter tests in english, history, math and chemistry, so that's what we're doing. And SAT well over 2250 and ACT of 34 or higher. You can fight semantics all you want but when you are a white male competing for the 3% of seat left over after the legacies, athletes, URMs and perfect score students get their seats you do whatever they suggest.

How did they tell you? During info session? This is news to me.

I was at the Coast to Coast information session on 6/4 in Bethesda. The Princeton representative said that as of two weeks ago (from the info date), Princeton would no longer require subject tests (optional). I don't think she was unsure of her facts.

The PP can take as many subject tests as they want but it doesn't change the fact that Princeton has stated no required subject tests on their website and in front of 300 people in the ballroom at the Bethesda Hyatt. But I do understand why the PP thinks it's necessary to take four tests for as much admission ammunition possible.

The above information about 4 subject matter tests is flat out wrong. It is not necessary (nor are they saying it) to take 4 tests. This is nothing more than DCMUM snarl by someone trying to out pace other applicants. Sure you can take 7 tests if you want to impress the admissions folks. But no way is it required.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:All I can tell you is that Princeton and Yale both told us they WANT to see four subject matter tests in english, history, math and chemistry, so that's what we're doing. And SAT well over 2250 and ACT of 34 or higher. You can fight semantics all you want but when you are a white male competing for the 3% of seat left over after the legacies, athletes, URMs and perfect score students get their seats you do whatever they suggest.

How did they tell you? During info session? This is news to me.

I was at the Coast to Coast information session on 6/4 in Bethesda. The Princeton representative said that as of two weeks ago (from the info date), Princeton would no longer require subject tests (optional). I don't think she was unsure of her facts.

The PP can take as many subject tests as they want but it doesn't change the fact that Princeton has stated no required subject tests on their website and in front of 300 people in the ballroom at the Bethesda Hyatt. But I do understand why the PP thinks it's necessary to take four tests for as much admission ammunition possible.

The above information about 4 subject matter tests is flat out wrong. It is not necessary (nor are they saying it) to take 4 tests. This is nothing more than DCMUM snarl by someone trying to out pace other applicants. Sure you can take 7 tests if you want to impress the admissions folks. But no way is it required.

I don't think you understand how competitive it is to get into these schools. Kids are applying from around the world with perfect SAT scores, SAT AP scores and 800 in subject matter tests. Princeton can make three perfects pools of candidates for it's incoming class (in other words, three classes). It has to hunt and peck somehow through the 30K applications. Where do you think they start? With the testing. Only after the GPA and testing checks does anyone even open the file to read the essay. YOu really don't think they read all the applicants' essays do you?

[Anonymous]

I think Princeton would be in a world of hurt if they tell applicants subject tests are optional and it then came out that applicants who took subject tests and received certain scores were disproportionately admitted.

[Anonymous]

What are acceptable SAT II scores for the elite schools? Anything over 700? over 750?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:For the life of me, I can't understand how one can take honors chemistry for an entire year, take a one hour subject test, and then have a return score of 670.

DC finished the school year with an A- in honors chemistry and attends an excellent private school known for its academic strengths.

I would love to hear insight from people who have a similar experience.and how colleges will view this score. There will be no retake but DC will be taking AP biology for junior year. There is no fuss about this score and DC knows how proud we are. But we all are scratching our heads.

that’s what my 9th grader got on the biology exam. You don’t have to submit the score. Also, it depends on where you apply. 670 isn’t that bad.

[Anonymous]

DC did not prepare for the SAT II Subject Test in Chemistry, and they earned a 740. DC was a bit disappointed, but I do not think they should be.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:All I can tell you is that Princeton and Yale both told us they WANT to see four subject matter tests in english, history, math and chemistry, so that's what we're doing. And SAT well over 2250 and ACT of 34 or higher. You can fight semantics all you want but when you are a white male competing for the 3% of seat left over after the legacies, athletes, URMs and perfect score students get their seats you do whatever they suggest.

How did they tell you? During info session? This is news to me.

I was at the Coast to Coast information session on 6/4 in Bethesda. The Princeton representative said that as of two weeks ago (from the info date), Princeton would no longer require subject tests (optional). I don't think she was unsure of her facts.

The PP can take as many subject tests as they want but it doesn't change the fact that Princeton has stated no required subject tests on their website and in front of 300 people in the ballroom at the Bethesda Hyatt. But I do understand why the PP thinks it's necessary to take four tests for as much admission ammunition possible.

The above information about 4 subject matter tests is flat out wrong. It is not necessary (nor are they saying it) to take 4 tests. This is nothing more than DCMUM snarl by someone trying to out pace other applicants. Sure you can take 7 tests if you want to impress the admissions folks. But no way is it required.

I don't think you understand how competitive it is to get into these schools. Kids are applying from around the world with perfect SAT scores, SAT AP scores and 800 in subject matter tests. Princeton can make three perfects pools of candidates for it's incoming class (in other words, three classes). It has to hunt and peck somehow through the 30K applications. Where do you think they start? With the testing. Only after the GPA and testing checks does anyone even open the file to read the essay. YOu really don't think they read all the applicants' essays do you?

You are partially correct. But wrong to imply more SAT IIs means better chance of getting in. Top tier schools actually don't like applicants with too many tests. That's why some schools require applicants to send in all scores - to better understand students' testing history.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:For the life of me, I can't understand how one can take honors chemistry for an entire year, take a one hour subject test, and then have a return score of 670.

DC finished the school year with an A- in honors chemistry and attends an excellent private school known for its academic strengths.

I would love to hear insight from people who have a similar experience.and how colleges will view this score. There will be no retake but DC will be taking AP biology for junior year. There is no fuss about this score and DC knows how proud we are. But we all are scratching our heads.

Same with my D, she got a 680 but retook it last go around and finally broke 700 (720). She is done as she thinks thats her best.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
12:41 here. The other three were Math II, Physics, and Biology. It took two tries to get the 800 in Physics.

Practice tests make all the difference on the SAT IIs. Also, take the tests ASAP after completing the courses so that the content is still fresh. If you want to raise the odds of doing well even higher, find a test prep service that has people who are very familiar with the individual tests and has a bank of LOTs of practice tests. Alternatively, find out about the pros and cons of the test prep books that are out there -- college confidential has detailed threads and advice on this, including which guides have the best practice tests, which are best for conveying the substantive knowledge on the test, etc. And finally, increase the odds of doing well by having your student prepare for and take the SAT IIs one at a time, rather than doing multiple subjects in each sitting.

Thanks for the great info. Looks like the SAT IIs follow the same advice to get to Carnegie Hall....practice, practice, practice.

That's a myth re Carnegie Hall. It's a facility that's available for rent. Pay the fee and your school group can perform there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
12:41 here. The other three were Math II, Physics, and Biology. It took two tries to get the 800 in Physics.

Practice tests make all the difference on the SAT IIs. Also, take the tests ASAP after completing the courses so that the content is still fresh. If you want to raise the odds of doing well even higher, find a test prep service that has people who are very familiar with the individual tests and has a bank of LOTs of practice tests. Alternatively, find out about the pros and cons of the test prep books that are out there -- college confidential has detailed threads and advice on this, including which guides have the best practice tests, which are best for conveying the substantive knowledge on the test, etc. And finally, increase the odds of doing well by having your student prepare for and take the SAT IIs one at a time, rather than doing multiple subjects in each sitting.

Thanks for the great info. Looks like the SAT IIs follow the same advice to get to Carnegie Hall....practice, practice, practice.

That's a myth re Carnegie Hall. It's a facility that's available for rent. Pay the fee and your school group can perform there.

So let's try to get this straight...DC took 3 SAT II Subject Matter test plus two attempts at the Physics exam so that makes 5 SAT II Subject Matter tests plus the regular SAT (god only knows how many times this parent had the DC take that one) and let's not forget the ACT as well so as to be "competitive". Total at least the possibility of a half dozen standardized tests. Can't wait to hear this DC's regular class schedule...oh, let's guess.....5 AP courses no wait, that's not competitive enough...you need at least 6. PLEASE12:41, next year come back and let us know if DC got into Harvard (or wherever you think DC will apply as per your instructions). Good luck!