I am looking to apply to Wharton early decision but I just realized the SAT subject tests were a thing and that UPenn wants them. I know it says it won’t hurt your chances of admission but does anyone get in without them? Am I supposed to read between the lines and that actually means that you pretty much won’t get in? I plan on visiting to see if I like it there but it falls right on the only date I can take the SAT Subject test so I’m trying to figure out if I should cancel the visit because there is no reason to visit if I can’t get in. Also the test score I would be submitting is the ACT if that matters.
For Wharton in particular Penn is looking for competency in math (not just AP Calculus, but also a high score on SAT Math 2). Because admission to Wharton in particular, I think, is so competitive, it might harm you to not have it. UPenn doesn’t consider demonstrated interest so visiting or not won’t impact your chances of admission.
SAT Subject Tests are recommended but not required. Applicants who do not take SAT Subject Tests will not be at a disadvantage in the admissions process.
This is the official words. You may have no other choice but to believe this.
Do you attend a lower performing school where few students attend 4-year colleges or any college at all, or do you attend a school where subject tests are taken by the top third stusents sand you just didn’t pay attention?
For Wharton a high Math2 score (as well as calculus) is expected if you attend a regular high school (IE., not a rural or urban school where calculus isn’t offered).
I agree with @MYOS1634 ; it’s all in context. If you attend a school where few if any students have applied for an Ivy League university, the lack of Subject Tests will be viewed differently than it would if most students at your HS take them.
It all depends on your background. If you go to a prep school or even just a normal school with decent resources where most people take subject tests, then yeah that will hurt your chances of Penn admission. If you school is in a rural and/or disadvantaged area where people do not usually take subject tests then it should be ok.