<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>
<p>To calculate the Academic Index ([The</a> Academic Index - Ivy League Admissions Key? - College Confidential](<a href=“http://www.collegeconfidential.com/academic_index.htm]The”>http://www.collegeconfidential.com/academic_index.htm)), Ivy League schools use your top 2 SAT subject tests. Beyond that it’s anyone’s guess if more than two tests help you. </p>
<p>FWIW: At some specialized high schools, students not enrolled in an AP course (and the AP test) are required to take the SAT Subject test for subjects such as Math, Chemistry, Bio, Physics, English, US History, European History, French, Spanish, etc. So, some students who do not enroll in many AP Classes go into the applications process with multiple Subject Tests because their high school mandated they do so, not because they actually thought taking more tests would help them.</p>
<p>I think it’s common to take 3 to hedge one’s bets against one going badly, especially since you can take all three in one day. (Back when 3 were required, I took 4 for the same reason–this also let me spread them out over two test days in a schedule that worked somewhat better for me.) But if you’ve got good scores on 2 already, I’d guess more would just be a neutral.</p>
<p>Agree with Gibby: Moreover, taking “more” tests than what is necessary can often make one “appear” like a test-grubber who has nothing better to do with his time…if you feel that you have met the “threshold” test scores to be competitive with these schools then I would not take any more tests…</p>
<p>…most of the top schools understand that tests are a necessary “evil” but they want to emphasize the “human” aspect of the “individual” and the “intangibles” that often cannot be measured by GPAs or test scores…</p>
<p>…most successful candidates have better things to do on Saturday mornings…like competing in a major strings/piano competition…athletic competitions/practice…going over to the local university to complete a research project…traveling for math/science competitions…etc.</p>
<p>Something to think about…</p>
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<p>Don’t any of them just sleep in?</p>
<p>^^That too…but, seriously, how many of the talented students you know that are vying for these “schools” take Saturday OFF? Not many…</p>
<p>Do they take Saturday off once they are attending? I have a feeling some may! Or are they just hopeless workaholics with no life of their own?</p>
<p>I hope so…but, as you know, many of these “same” students will be just as busy with their extracurricular activities in college…burning the candle at both ends…especially at schools like Harvard and Stanford where it is the “norm”…</p>
<p>I’m planning to spend a couple years in a nice, normal job after graduation, i.e. not consulting or similar. I can’t tell you how much I’m looking forward to getting weekends off.</p>
<p>*“Couple years” because I don’t know what I’m doing with my life and I don’t have plans beyond that.</p>
<p>People say that H is leaning towards SAT IIs more than SAT I. I don’t know :X</p>