Can SAT subject tests hurt you?

State Forums
1

<p>If you take an SAT subject test, but it's for a school that's not necessary to take one, can the subject test hurt you if you've taken one and you don't do well?</p>

2

<p>I assume you are applying to both UCs, which require SAT subject tests, and CSUs, which do not and are concerned that a poor score would still hurt your chances of acceptance at CSUs even though they do not require the test. It is my understanding that CSUs use a completely automated system in admission decisions that only considers your GPA, the total of your Critical Reading and Math scores on the SAT and, in some cases whether or not you are applying from their service area. They ignore the Writing section of the SAT score and scores on subject tests.</p>

3

<p>For the HS class of 2012on, UC’s won’t REQUIRE* subject test either.</p>

<p>*Some majors may require, some schools will consider.</p>

4

<p>My son took the SAT subject test for World History to make up for the D he got on his transcript. He did well enough for the test to count so he met the requirement.</p>

<p>The test won’t hurt if you don’t report it to them.</p>

5

<p>UC’s definitely do not REQUIRE SAT Subject Tests; however, some do RECOMMEND certain Subject Tests, depending on what your major is (if you are undeclared, you don’t have to worry about this). California State Universities do not require any Subject Test in any area, regardless of what your major is. If you don’t believe me, or want to find out for yourself, you can visit the website I got the information from by using the following link: <a href=“http://chscollegecenter.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=51&Itemid=56”>http://chscollegecenter.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=51&Itemid=56&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>As for UC’s, to find out which campuses recommend Subject Tests for specific majors, you can use this link to visit the official University of California website:
<a href=“http://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/admissions/freshman/requirements/examination-requirement/SAT-subject-tests/index.html”>http://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/admissions/freshman/requirements/examination-requirement/SAT-subject-tests/index.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;