Guidance on Submitting SAT Subject Test Scores: What to Do if You Don't Perform Well

Students often ask whether they should submit their SAT Subject Test scores or cancel them if they did not perform as expected. This article provides guidance on how to approach this decision, considering various factors such as school requirements, performance, and financial concerns.

When to Submit Your Scores

If the school you are applying to does not require SAT Subject Tests, it is generally best to avoid submitting them, as they are not necessary and could potentially detract from your application. However, don't cancel your scores, as this can be a costly mistake.

For those whose schools do require SAT Subject Tests, it's important to consider your performance before submitting the scores. According to the College Board, if you have a guide book, you can use the conversion table to estimate your scaled score based on the raw score. Here is a breakdown of raw scores for the Math II, Chemistry, and Biology subjects:

Math II (50 questions)

Missing 10 questions means either 40 blanks or 40 correct answers, resulting in a raw score of around 40. Missing 10 incorrect answers out of 50 could lead to a raw score of 37-38, depending on the number of choices. This raw score would likely translate to a lower scaled score.

Chemistry (85 questions)

If you miss 10-15 questions, you could be missing 14-21 incorrect answers out of 85. This could translate to a raw score of around 54-71, which corresponds to a middle to high scaled score, depending on the conversion table.

Biology (80 questions)

For Biology, missing 10-15 questions means you could be missing 12-18 incorrect answers. This corresponds to a raw score of around 58-72, which is also in the middle to high range.

Should You Cancel Your Scores?

Cancelling your scores means that all the tests you took that day will be cancelled, not just the ones you are uncertain about. Therefore, cancelling is a significant decision and should be approached with caution. If you are confident that you will be far below your target score, cancelling might be advisable. However, if you are still in the competition for a good score, it is better to retain the scores and see if they help strengthen your application.

What to Consider Before Making a Decision

There are several factors to consider when deciding whether to submit or cancel your SAT Subject Test scores:

1. School Requirements and Competition

Some schools may require SAT Subject Tests, while others might not. If a school requires them, submitting your scores can be beneficial. However, if the competition is fierce, and your scores will not help you stand out, it may be better not to submit them.

2. Program/Major Requirements

Some programs or majors may require certain SAT Subject Tests. If you are applying to a specific program or major, it is essential to check the specific requirements before deciding to submit or cancel your scores.

3. Performance on the Tests

If you missed 10-15 questions on Math II, Chemistry, or Biology, it is important to evaluate whether this was a significant number that would negatively impact your score. For Math II, missing 10-15 questions could result in a very low score, while for Chemistry and Biology, missing 10-15 questions might not be such a negative impact.

Recommendations

It is recommended that you thoroughly evaluate your performance and the requirements of the schools you are applying to before making your decision. Additionally, consider the financial implications of canceling your scores. Prior to taking the test, it is crucial to evaluate the cost and benefits to make an informed decision.

For more detailed information on canceling scores and refunds, please refer to the official SAT scoring guide and College Board resources.

Key Takeaways:

Submit SAT Subject Test scores if the school requires them and your score will likely be competitive. Don't cancel scores, as this can be costly. Consider school requirements, program/major requirements, and your performance before making a decision.

Remember, the decisions you make about your SAT Subject Test scores can significantly impact your college application. Take the time to make an informed decision that best suits your needs and goals.