You studied for that SAT subject test for weeks or months, and now your results have finally arrived. But what should you do next?
High school students typically receive their SAT subject test scores about two weeks after sitting for one, or more, of the 20 available exams. However, once students have their scores in hand, they may not know how to use them going forward.
Whether or not their score is high, here are three steps students should take once they receive their SAT subject test score report.
[Read: Why Standardized Tests Matter Beyond College Admissions.]
Analyze your test results. Scores range from 200 to 800 on all SAT subject tests. Your score report will include a percentile rank, which you can use to better understand how your performance compares with that of your peers.
The College Board states that it’s helpful to think of your score as existing within a range of approximately 30 to 40 points above or below your actual skill level. Your performance may vary slightly day to day within this range, depending on the particular questions on a test and how you feel on that specific date.
When reviewing your results, note the distance between your actual and target scores. Did you achieve your goal score, or will you need to retest? Other questions you can ask yourself include: What were your strengths and weaknesses? If this is your second time taking an SAT subject test, where did you improve?
Keep in mind that language exams with listening portions also include subscores for listening and reading, on a scale of 20 to 80. While the focus of questions on language exams with listening portions differs slightly by test, students can expect these subscores to reflect their ability to follow and interpret spoken and written passages. You can then determine whether you need further listening or reading practice, or if you are adept at one or both.
Identify courses that can strengthen your core skills. While this step may apply most obviously to students who plan to retake an SAT subject test, it can also apply to individuals who have reached their goal score but who wish to further polish their skills.
Completing additional coursework in a given subject can increase your understanding of challenging concepts, help you demonstrate an interest in the field or serve as college preparation.
If you are a rising senior, consider semesterlong courses available in the spring. Juniors have slightly more freedom, as they can design their senior-year class schedule to address their needs in addition to registering for second-semester courses.
[Read: Ask 3 Questions to Decide Between AP Exams, SAT Subject Tests.]
Students at any grade level may also find it helpful to explore out-of-school options like massive open online courses, or MOOCs.
For example, if a rising senior did very well on the SAT subject test in Biology E/M, he or she might decide to register for a spring semester advanced ecology class online via a MOOC. This course could further suggest her interest in an ecology major to colleges and deepen the student’s understanding of the ecology concepts tested on the SAT.
Research what your scores mean at your prospective colleges and universities. Certain colleges and programs require SAT subject test scores as part of the application process; the California Institute of Technology, for example, requires subject tests in math and science.
Other schools may recommend but not require that students submit this type of test score; some institutions, like Carleton College in Minnesota, state that subject tests aren’t required but scores will be considered if they are included with an application.
Make sure you know the policy for colleges you are interested in, as well as whether the institutions offer course credit for high subject test scores.
[Read: A Complete Guide to the College Application Process.]
To find out whether a school requires SAT subject tests, visit its website. Harvard University, for example, recommends that students submit two SAT subject tests, unless the exam fees create a financial burden.
Harvard’s website also contains other important information about SAT subject tests. For instance, students who earn a score of 700 or higher on a foreign language subject test will meet the institution’s language requirement.
If your score falls short, determine whether the advantages are great enough to take the exam again.
The college admissions process is highly personal to each student. Your next steps after receiving an SAT subject test score report will ultimately depend on your goals, but these three suggestions are an ideal place to begin.
More from U.S. News
College Students Share Must-Do Tasks for High School Juniors
3 Questions to Ask Before Taking SAT Subject Tests
3 Tips to Avoid Falling Behind on SAT, ACT Prep
What to Do After Receiving SAT Subject Test Scores originally appeared on usnews.com
