What can SAT II scores actually do for me?

Question

What do colleges do with them (other than admissions)?

I took the Math 2 and German subject tests. I got an 800 on the Math and 680 on German, but I don't know what good it's going to do me. I plan on applying to an Ivy League, but I probably won't end up going there. So what good do SAT II scores do me at other schools?

Answer 1

The 800 is exceptional. And 680 isn't bad. These are credible scores. Just apply yourself, do well academically, and you'll get into an Ivy League.

Answer 2

Other then for admissions purposes, colleges do nothing with the SAT Subject Test scores for you the student. SAT Subject Tests don't allow you to test out of a class or allow you to be placed in honors classes if the college offers it. The SAT Subject Tests are merely to see whether your transcript grades were justified or whether there was grade inflation at your school. Therefore, low scores in one area (in your case German), could reflect that your German grade at school would have been lower at other high schools. Conversely, the 800 Math II  would reflect that any grade in Math was justified and therefore your grades in that subject are credible. Simply, they are only for admissions for you. However, SAT Subject Tests do have an impact on future students from your school. Each school has a profile in which grades are reported. Low SAT Subject Test scores in a particular field could indicate that grade inflation does exist at one's school or could indicate that grades are truly competitive. Simply, once you are admitted they do nothing for you. Anyway, congrats on the 800 Math II.