Hi all,
I’m applying to a few Bio programs in some of the top universities. I’ve planned to write 2 Subject Tests, Chemistry and Math II.
Is it a good idea to write a third one? (that would be bio i guess)
If a third one is not necessary, is it fine to select the two I have? (I’m Canadian. so I’ve found some curriculum to be different, and my teacher wasn’t that great this year, so that’s why I’m trying not to do biology for the sats)
Thanks!
If the college only requires 2 then there’s no need to take 3.
Having said that, I feel like not taking the Biology Subject Test would raise a few eyebrows since that’s your main academic interest and I think there’s an expectation to take the corresponding Subject Test to demonstrate your aptitude for that subject. I’ve heard from my friends that the Biology SAT is mainly just memorisation (I’m in the UK so the curriculum also doesn’t overlap much) so if you get yourself a good study book it probably won’t be too difficult to do reasonably well in, especially if you’re really interested in the material. Definitely try a practice test and see what you get. Curves can often be quite generous, so even if you feel like you aren’t familiar with much of the content, there could be less to learn than you think to get the score you want.
And I think given that you already planned to take Math II and Chemistry and presumably will probably do quite well in the, it might be useful to do 3 just so that if one doesn’t go that well because of factors out of your control like test-day stress or an unusual paper, you will still have 2 good scores to send to colleges.
Just my opinion but hope this helps x
Thanks for the input! I’ll take other input as well.
Don’t feel obligated to take Bio, that won’t matter to US colleges just because you want to probably major in Bio. There is a ton of material and a lot of students take Bio; if you prefer Chem & Math Ii, those are fine.
Agreed.
I disagree; Math 2 and chem are fine. Most colleges do not admit by major, so not taking the SAT Subject Test in Bio is fine.
Exactly, the number of SAT subject tests taken are really more dependent on the requirement of the uni that you are applying to. Most schools only need two, so if you take Chem and Math 2, you are covered. There is minimal advantage to having more than the required number of SAT subject tests. However, there are a few schools (like Georgetown) that recommend three subject tests. So just make sure that all the schools you are applying to recommend no more than 2, then you are good to go.
If however, you are applying to some schools that recommend three, then it is just as nice to show breadth as it is depth. So if you are not comfortable with Biology (to show depth), it is perfectly acceptable, if not preferable that you take a subject test in English, a Foreign Language or a Social Science, if that is what you are more comfortable with.
Good luck!
Thank you all for your responses! Just something I’d like to bring up in regards to the “breadth” comment. Assuming I only do two, would it matter if I do (an example) Chemistry physics, or subjects that are closely related to one other? Keep in mind I’m trying to apply to a Stanford-“calibre” (using this word really loosely), so I’m trying to get any edge I can!
Most students take either Math 2 or Math1 as one of their tests. A few schools like MIT will be fairly specific about which tests you should take
For most STEM-focused schools, MIT for example, they would recommend one science and one math subject test. So it is not preferred that your two subject tests like say, Math 1 and Math 2, or Chem and Physics. The subject tests topics are pretty flexible, and if you will notice, most schools simply “recommend” and not “require”. My recommendation would be to select the one math and the one science subject test where you will likely excel the most at. And if you have to take a third, select a subject in the languages or social sciences or sciences that you will score the highest.
American schools do want to see passion, but unlike UK schools, the topic of the passion does not have to be only the same as the intended major. They also value well-roundedness and 2 or three other talents (including sports; publication; or other meaningful contribution). The “strategy” is making your application wholesome, yet cohesive. Your test scores should mainly highlight that you are intelligent and you do well in all/most subjects (which means you will likely survive the rigor of your selected Uni), especially math and science. Your ECs should highlight your interest in the sciences, but that you also do a couple of other things outside science that you are really good and passionate at (which suggests that you are a unique individual with something to contribute to the student body).
Good luck!