Do I have to take SAT Chemistry and Mathematics Subject Test if the college recommends it?

Applying to College
1

Hi guys,
So for a local, decent college near my area (University of the Pacific), I got a letter to submit an early application for higher consideration for admission and scholarships.

Now, I want to major in Biochemistry in that college.
The college says that for biochem majors, they recommend I take the SAT Chem and Math subject tests. The problem is that I have never taken the SAT before. I have taken the ACT, and I got 29 on both math and science.
Do I still have to take the SAT subject tests? Thanks for any help.

2

Additional Info:
I won’t have a problem on the math one if it covers material up till pre-calc.
I took the AP Chem AP test last school year. Even tho I got a 4 on it, it has been several months since I reviewed that material, so I don’t really know if I can do as well again right now.

3

There have been numerous CC posts on this subject. Bottom line, if you don’t have a legitimate financial reason for not taking the tests, you should assume that failing to take them will have a negative impact upon your application.

4

If we’re talking Harvard and Stanford and the like, I would agree. But we’re not. This is what University of the Pacific says:

http://www.pacific.edu/admission/undergraduate/applying/additional-admission-information/test-scores.html

Now, they do say that they use Subject Tests for placement purposes, but they also offer other placement exams.
http://www.pacific.edu/campus-life/student-services/new-student-and-family-programs/orientation-/first-year-placement-information/math-course-placement-information.html

http://www.pacific.edu/campus-life/student-services/new-student-and-family-programs/orientation-/first-year-placement-information/chemistry-course-placement-information.html

So, the OP can take the Subject test now, or take the college’s placement test later.

5

@skieurope Ok thank you for the info. Now, since I have 25+ ACT math and 2+ on Chem AP test, I wouldn’t have to take the placement or the subject test- did I understand that right?
Also, when I submitted the application, they did not ask for this. Will they demand the qualifications later or do I have to submit it on my own?

6

Since you’re talking scholarships and not just admission, your best bet is to call them up and see if you need to take the subject tests for the scholarships or if the ACT will substitute for that. Some colleges are ok with just the ACT but others want to see the subject tests even if you took the ACT. Admission offices are there to clear these kinds of things up.