Retaking an SAT subject test?

Question

I m wondering if I should retake my chemistry sat II test. I took it at the end of my sophomore year of high school and got a 650 (not very happy with this score). I took it after taking AP Chemistry, and after the AP exam I didn t have much more motivation in me to continue studying Chem. The sat was a month after ap exam. I plan to major in some sort of engineering in college, lately have been considering chemical engineering. I plan to take Math 2 and Physics this fall during my senior year and will definitely study and submit those scores. I m wondering, would it be a good idea for me to study chemistry over the summer and retake the chemistry exam along with the other 2, hopefully achieving a higher score? I plan to apply to top universities which is why I m looking to get a higher score, at least a 700 hopefully.

? · Accepted Answer

No, do not waste time on retaking a SAT II subject test. Here’s why:
1.	You are rarely asked to submit more than two SAT II scores.   
2.	You don’t get academic credit for SAT II scores like you do AP, so your SAT II Chemistry score won’t change how many classes you need to take for a degree.
3.	SAT II tests are icing on the cake and are used to confirm a student’s academic ability. You will get a lot more “bang for your buck” in studying for the SAT or the other two subject tests your plan to take.
4.	Your knowledge and “fluency” in chemistry should have been highest when you to the test. A 650 on the Chemistry is only in the 38th percentile. To make that into a “wow” score, you’d need to improve by well over 100 points. Is that realistic at this point? 
5.   In theory, if you got a decent score on your AP Chemistry exam you’ve proven you competency in Chemistry in order to be admitted to college.

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Retaking an SAT subject test?

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