<p>Hey, guys. I'm a sophomore nearing the end of the school year and have been so caught up with other school and college related things that I still know next to nothing about the SAT Subject Tests. So, I have some questions that might seem fairly dumb or basic, but this seems to be the best place to get all of them answered properly in one place. Once again, just ahead of time, thanks!</p>
<ol>
<li><p>In general, do most colleges require or not require their applicants to take these tests?</p></li>
<li><p>Do colleges that don't require you to take this test think it better if you take it and submit your (preferably high) score to them?</p></li>
<li><p>I can take an SAT Subject Test and not do well, only to not submit my scores, correct?</p></li>
<li><p>How many subject tests do you think I should take considering I am applying to schools that want me to take them? Is there a minimum or maximum or an ideal number, or is it different for each school?</p></li>
</ol>
<ol>
<li><p>Only 29 colleges actually require SAT subject tests for admission although a number of others recommend them or consider them if submitted. See a list of colleges in each category here:
[Compass:</a> Admissions Requirements](<a href=“SAT Subject Test Requirements and Recommendations - Compass Education Group”>SAT Subject Test Requirements and Recommendations - Compass Education Group). Still, the vast majority of colleges don’t even consider them for admission if submitted, but some may use them for placement once you are admitted such as for language.</p></li>
<li><p>See answer to 1. Again some recommend or consider them even if not required while others ignore them. As to what you submit to colleges that recommend or consider them, you have a different issue. Some colleges require you to submit all tests you have taken regardless of whether they will consider only the better ones. As to whether you must submit all scores or can just submit better scores, you need to check the rules of each college.</p></li>
<li><p>As noted above it depends on college. Many require you to submit the scores of all tests you have taken, others require all SAT tests but not all subject tests, and others let you submit what you want to submit. You must check the rules of each college.</p></li>
<li><p>Colleges that require subject tests require two in different subjects and most consider only the highest two submitted. Colleges that recommend them but do not require them, recommend two except Johns Hopkins and Georgetown recommend three (those are the only two colleges that want three). Colleges that just consider them do not provide any number. Generally, if you have two good scores you don’t need more unless applying to Georgetown or Hopkins. Note, those that require or recommend subject tests often state you need a math and science if applying for engineering and sometimes science, math if applying for business or some other majors, and one in a subject related to your requested major if there is such a subject.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Although many colleges do not require it, it won’t hurt at all if you take those test particularly if you are taking the AP at the same time. It will take little to none extra time for preparation but a small cost. That would help to build up your credentials even if it is not required. After all, you may not know which school (perhaps major too) to apply until Junior year with some ACT/SAT scores. Then, it may be too late to take the subject tests for the classes you took in sophomore year to obtain good scores. Nevertheless, taking 2-3 subject tests relevant to your career plan is sufficient. You may look at your sophomore and junior classes to decide which one to take. There is no reason to be overwhelmed with subject tests.</p>