Subject Test Scores
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Anonymous
| DS just got his scores and he got a 790 in math II and 710 in chemistry. He knew he had gotten some of the questions wrong because he had not prepped for those type of questions (he had read those would not be on the test). The 710 concerns me. Is this a bad score? He is applying to a top 20 school and it is his first choice. He doesn't have time to retake it. This particular school doesn't require subject tests but highly recommends them. FWIW, he got a 4 on the AP Chemistry exam and a 35 on the ACT. |
Anonymous
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Massive eye roll.
Pretty early in the morning for a humble brag, OP. |
Anonymous
?? Why is this a brag? I am legitimately concerned about the 710 because it is in the 56th percentile. This is my first kid going to college, so I am not familiar with what is expected. Would really appreciate advice...and if the 710 is good enough, then please just say so. Thanks. |
Anonymous
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Why doesn't he have time to try again? There are subject test sessions in August and October.
It depends what schools he is applying to, and what major he wants and what other hooks he has. If he has no hooks, I'd be tempted to try again. How do these scores compare with those earned by his classmates, because he'll be competing with them. |
Anonymous
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The 4 on the AP Chem is consistent with his 710. I can't imagine what he could do that would be a good use of his time to bring these up.
Yes, it is hard to get into a top-20 school. I would not recommend he tells them he's looking to major in chem. |
Anonymous
Actually I didn't realize the results from October come out so quickly, so he would be able to retake in October. So I guess retaking is an option. He wants to major in something math related. |
Anonymous
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A 710 is in the 57th percentile. https://secure-media.collegeboard.org/sat/pdf/sat-subject-tests-percentile-ranks.pdf
I would have him try again in August, OP. For a high-stats kid gunning for the top (lottery) schools, every little bit helps. |
Anonymous
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OP, I think you are right to be on the fence. How did your son do on the science section of the ACT? If he got a 35 or 36 I might hold off sending the 710.
My DD is a rising senior and got a 770 last year on Math II and 35 ACT (with 35 on math). She will probably not send the 770...I don't think it helps her. |
Anonymous
| I wouldn't bother retaking the subject test, they are losing importance. College applications to selective schools take a lot of time in the fall. Also, that ACT is very high and proves he is a good test-taker/smart kid. FWIW, indicating math for a potential major makes it more difficult for boys who want to attend high selective schools. The only top 20 school my DS was admitted to was the one where he said he wanted to study history (a genuine interest and he does double major in that plus a quantitative subject). |
Anonymous
NP. For Pp saying humblebrag 75% Math II and 54% are very week scores for a top 20. Nothing to brag about here. Read and weep: https://secure-media.collegeboard.org/sat/pdf/sat-subject-tests-percentile-ranks.pdf My kid is applying to SLACs. 800 on Math II (which is really NBD— 800 is the 79th-100 percentile). 680 on Us History, which is 63rd. He had taken one year of class (TJ, weird curriculum, does not offer AP) and did WH with no prep. But he was there, so he took the other test that corresponded to his school work. We are using score choice and sending the Math II. No way we are sending the WH. Trying again after junior year with physics, US History (will take APUSH) and English. Honestly OP, I would not send either score. 790 (and even 710) look good, when viewed through the lens on normal SAT scores. But it’s the 75th percentile on Math II. You can get an 800 on the Math II and miss several questions. I’d try again on the Math II, with plenty of practice, and aim for the 800, especially if your kid is looking at anything STEM (which I am assuming, based on the tests he took). Since 21% of the kids who take the test get an 800, 790/75% does not look good for a top 20 school and does not inspire confidence in your kids Math ability. If your kid is taking AP Chem, I would try again after than. Otherwise, a lot of studying o new injection. (I would go for a new subject— you need to do a lot of improvement to get the chem up to a decent percentile). I wish they would renorm the Math II so you can tell the difference between 99% and 79%. An 800 should be excellent, not above average. |
Anonymous
| The percentiles are different than those we are used to as only top students bother to take the Subject Tests. |
Anonymous
| Does he want to major in chem or a science? If not I doubt it matters. |
Anonymous
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When comparing these percentiles, please remember that this is not the SAT/ACT, which everyone takes. The cohort taking these tests are self-selecting, and kids only take the tests they are strongest in, so even very strong students can expect to be at a lower percentile and still be quite competitive.
The idea that a 790 Math II should not be sent is ridiculous. Unless the intended major is chemistry at a top 20, the 710 is acceptable also. |
Anonymous
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Right. When my ex was applying to Econ PhD programs, no one would look at the application unless you got an 800 on the GRE Math. All the people applying to Econ and math grad programs screwed up the percentiles on that test by getting perfect scores.
Similar situation here. |
Anonymous
| The elite private schools are eliminating AP and many of the elite colleges are not allowing AP credit to satisfy certain degree requirements. |