If you don’t take the SAT 2 tests, are you placed at a disadvantage with regards to admissions? I know they are not mandatory, yet many seem to say that for Wharton especially, Math2 is a must. What’s the truth on this one?
The Penn/Wharton website states: “Wharton Applicants: We recommend the Math Level 2 SAT subject test and another subject test of your choice.” So I think the school itself is stating a preference for that test.
And this: "Candidates to fields in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) are recommended to take the Math Level 2 subject test and a science subject test (preferably Physics for Engineering applicants). "
I haven’t heard of a person getting in without subject tests unless they take ACT. Even with ACT, a strong math score is good to have 
I would strongly recommend taking the Math II subject test.
Considering that the College Board offers free testing for low-income families, (assuming that finances are a reason to avoid taking the test), why would you not take the Math II subject test? It’s only an hour of your time on a Saturday that assesses your knowledge of Precalculus, and it should aid your application to any school.
I would take it as practically required by admissions.
Yes they are essentially required. I believe they say recommend just to weed out people who are not serious about applying and therefore havent taken SAT2’s. Also especially for SEAS and Wharton SAT2’s are definitely required(1 of them should be math2). I doubt anyone gets accepted to Penn without SAT2’s.
It is a tippity top school. Would definitely take them and would definitely take Math 2.
For what it’s worth, I was accepted to Wharton this year and never took any SAT 2s. I did take the SAT once and had to submit my score but the ACT is much more popular in my area and was much better in comparison to my SAT score. I did however receive a 5 on the AP Calc test and that was on my app - so in my experience they’re definitely not required!
@megans113 http://www.admissions.upenn.edu/apply/freshman-admission/requirements-and-process
You either need the SAT and two subject tests or the ACT. So you didnt have to take SAT 2s since you submitted your ACT.
@Penn95 I realized they weren’t mandatory if you take the ACT, but many on this thread were implying that they were pretty much essential to acceptance to Wharton - so I wanted to share that they in fact are not!