Georgetown subject tests

I’m considering applying to Georgetown, as I visited the campus and really liked it. However their app is like the only one I I know of the basically requires (or “strongly recommends”) three subject tests. So my GPA and course load is pretty good but I’m naturally just not a good test taker, and I think that realistically there’s probably only two subject tests that I could score over a 700 on, and I’m wondering what your guys thoughts are on only submitting two of the recommended three, and how significantly this would effect one’s admission prospects. Thank you!

Hello! I recently got accepted to Georgetown, so here is my input.

Considering they ‘strongly recomend’ 3 subject tests, you should definitely sit for 3 if you plan on applying to Georgetown. If you have 2 good subject test scores and one not-as-good score, I doubt that it will be such a significant factor in your application.

There is one exception though, and that is for EA applicants:

This below is quoted from the website:

“Notice to Early Action Applicants:
Given the Early Action deadline of November 1, the Committee on Admissions recognizes that applicants may not be able to meet the SAT Subject Test requirements. Those candidates are welcome to submit an Early Action application, and the application will be considered complete and reviewed in its entirety. Candidates applying under the Early Action plan who have not yet taken three Subject Tests should still register to take the tests in the event they are deferred from Early Action to Regular Decision. If there are extenuating circumstances which prevent an applicant from submitting three SAT Subject Test scores, the applicant should provide a written explanation to the Committee on Admissions to be included with the application.”


So basically what this means is that if you apply EA, you submit 2 subject tests, but you should be scheduled to take a third so that if you get defered, you will be able to send in another score to fill the requirement.

On a side note, saying that you ‘are not a natural test taker’ is the dumbest excuse for not scoring well. If you know the content on the SAT subject test, you will sore well. If you don’t know the material, your score will reflect it. These tests are not rocket science, nor are they ezspecially difficult; they are just designed to test your knowledge.

Also, if you are not a good test taker, then how are you in position to apply to schools like Georgetown? You must have good grades in your classes in school, which you earned through taking quizzes and tests.

Good luck!

Thanks for your response. However I disagree with your reasoning regarding test taking. The content of the subject tests are designed to reflect specific courses that you take in High School, and, despite receiving As in both AP Chem and AP US history, I did quite poorly on both of their respective subject tests. This is because the curriculum at my school is taught independently at the teacher’s discretion and doesn’t adhere to what the college board wants you to know. Additionally, the time constraints on these tests are difficult even if you understand the material.
I find GT’s decision to include so many of them as part of their application a little antiquated given that most prominent elite university’s have eliminated them from their application process at this point.

No. Actually it’s because the curriculum of an AP course is not designed to prepare one for a Subject Test. As you correctly note:

AP courses are designed to be equivalent to a college course, and as such, cover the topics in less breadth and more depth. Now some schools/teachers might spend time filling in the gaps, but really the onus is on the student in this case.

No. Many elite universities have made then “optional” or “recommended” (as has Georgetown), but that does not mean that one should not submit. There is a whole discussion here:
http://talk.qa.collegeconfidential.com/college-admissions/2027962-sat-subject-tests-are-not-truly-optional-for-middle-upper-middle-class-applicants-at-elite-colleges-p1.html

Anyway, for the OP’s original question, I think the discussion is moot until you actually take the Subject Tests and have scores. A score in the high 600’s will not mean an automatic rejection. But in general, I would suggest submitting 3 tests.

My daughter is very interested in GT as well. Yes, it’s one of the last dinosaurs to require/strongly recommend 3 subject tests. Daughter got a 770 in lit, but a 630 or so on US History. She got an A+ in the class, and a 5 on her AP exam. She felt test was just knowing random facts about US History, and was generally not representative of the in-class work. She will considrr retaking it. She’s not sure what 3rd test she could take. She got a 29 on her math ACT, and 36s in English and grammar. 34 in science. She will not be an engineering/math/science based major, so there isn’t much of an option for that 3rd test. She could take Spanish, but knows that native speakers will set the curve. Good luck to you.

PepperJo Totally agree with your daughters assessment of the History subject test. Really just about knowing random facts and snippets, that, even if they were taught in a classroom (which in my case, they were not), would be very difficult to recall later. Only way to receive a high score on that test would probably be lost of tedious book work. Very frustrating IMO.