Is a 720 on the Chemistry SAT II bad? (for top schools?)?

Question

I took AP Chemistry as a junior, and took the Chemistry SAT II and got a 720. I'm just a little disappointed that it's not a bit higher. But is this an acceptable grade when I apply to major Ivy League Schools like Harvard and Princeton?

Or will taking it after summer increase my scores? Will I forget a lot of material over that time period?

Answer 1

ANY SAT subject test score over 700 is exactly what Harvard and Princeton are looking for, so, no, that score is certainly high enough.

Answer 2

In terms of the Ivy League, most schools like to see scores over 750, however they will not look critically on you if you score in the 690-740 range. For Chemistry, a 720 is in the 74th percentile, which is not terrible for the test. The overall average of the test is 630, so you are definately up there. However, though Princeton would like to see a 750+, I think it would be detrimental to your score to retake it after the school year. Unless you buy a prep book and read it during the summer (which, lets face it, is not the most fun thing to do), I would not retake it. A 720 won't hurt your application, it would just take a chance away from setting you apart from the other applicants. Bottom line, it won't hurt you, just try to get your other SAT Subject Test scores over 750 (you do need 3 for Princeton and Harvard by the way- and as a CT citizen I resent the fact you didn't mention Yale...jp jp). Anyway, good luck in your Ivy quest, but not too much luck as I am competing against you for that spot at Princeton. Good luck though with your application.

Answer 3

in my opinion, if you're aiming for those kind of schools, might as well get 800's

Answer 4

no no no