<p>This discussion of how academics factor into the MT admissions process is very helpful and interesting. As an add-on to this discussion, which schools require the SAT 2 subject tests (and how many), which schools merely recommend the tests but won't penalize a student who hasn't taken them, and which schools don't really care either way?</p>
<p>After an AP and Honors-laden junior year, and taking the SAT reasoning test twice, my D just couldn't bring herself to sit for the SAT 2 subject tests this spring. Will she be doing herself a disservice if she doesn't take them at all, or should she take them this fall, and if so, how many?</p>
<p>Many of the BFA schools do not require SAT 2 Subject Tests. NYU/Tisch recommends them. I think that is the only school on your D's possible list where the SAT2 tests might be beneficial but not required. The requirement/recommendation for these schools is two Subject Tests. My daughter took three but only because back then the Writing test had not yet been added to the regular SAT test and so one subject test was in writing. She took two others. Only NYU on her list recommended them but all of her schools saw them on the SAT score report and I have to think these enhanced her academic profile. However, they are not necessary. For someone applying to NYU, I might suggest to consider taking them, though. If your D has some AP scores that are good, that may also be enough.</p>
<p>Of the schools my D applied to, SAT 2's were not required at Syracuse, Ithaca, Emerson, CMU, UArts, Muhlenberg. There are many other well regarded schools that don't require them, even at schools that require SAT 2's for application to other programs. School websites usually have pretty good webpages explaining what standardized tests are needed for which programs.</p>