3 SAT Subject Tests for Harvard, MIT, Caltech, etc.?

Test Preparation SAT Subject Test Preparation
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<p>I know that Harvard, MIT, Caltech, and most other highly selective schools require only two SAT Subject Tests, but I have noticed in the decisions threads that many people have taken 3 or more Subject Tests. I am applying to Harvard SCEA and MIT and Caltech RD, and I am wondering if taking a third Subject Test would benefit me. I have already taken Chemistry and Math Level 2, and I am thinking of taking Physics this October.</p>

2

<p>Harvard just recently dropped their subject test requirement from 3 to 2 not long ago. However, the admission office said they still want to see more subject test scores.</p>

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<p>Is their desire for more scores on their website? Or is this something you have heard?</p>

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<p>None of the top schools except Georgetown require 3 Subject Tests. If a school states that it requires 2, they look at your top 2. No need to worry about taking more than that. Does that really require explanation?</p>

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<p>That is from an article interview with someone from Harvard admission office.</p>

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<p>Caltech only requires two subject tests, a math 2 and science score, but it might be a good idea to take physics also to show a range of skills in science.</p>

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<p>“That is from an article interview with someone from Harvard admission office.”</p>

<p>Do you have a link for this? Are there other links to admission officers saying the same thing? On one hand, I hear stories about how they want only what they want. (“The thicker the file, the thicker the student.”) But then I hear about people providing lots of extras. A bigger application either means that you are thicker or that you are showing initiative and really want to go to that school. I suppose that one or two extra subject tests won’t make your folder thicker.</p>

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<p>That link was posted in this forum a month or two ago. I read from here. You may need to search for it.</p>

<p>Update: It even said that in the FAQ on their website:
<a href=“http://www.admissions.college.harvard.edu/apply/faq.html[/url]”>http://www.admissions.college.harvard.edu/apply/faq.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>To satisfy our application requirements, applicants must take two SAT Subject Tests. Students should not submit two Subject Tests in mathematics to meet this requirement. Candidates whose first language is not English should ordinarily not use a Subject Test in their first language to meet the two Subject Tests requirement. . Applicants may wish to convey the breadth of their academic interests by taking tests in different subjects. **All students are encouraged to submit additional Subject Tests <a href=“which%20may%20include%20one%20in%20a%20student’s%20first%20language”>/B</a>, Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate test results, or any other evidence of the breadth and depth of their academic accomplishments.</p>

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<p>Thanks for the details. I’m trying not to have my son sign up for unnecessary tests, but I’m stuck reading admission officers’ tea leaves. It seems to me that AP scores should convey the breadth even better than SAT Subject tests.</p>