Do you really need SAT subject tests to get in?

Curious. DS is in state and has taken the SAT 3 times and ACT once. Does he need to take the Subject tests? UNCCH says they are “recommended” but not “required”. What would you do?

well correction, he’s taken the SAT twice but is planning on a third time.

I told my kids if it was recommended that they should do it. Let’s just say if 90% of the other applicants submit them that is who he is competing with. He doesn’t have to but if another applicant has equal stats on everything else and submitted decent SAT II scores who would the AO chose? Unless he has a valid reason not to take or submit them, I would recommend that he do.

A lot of top colleges used to require them, but they realized that some students (especially international students or those who live in really remote areas) have access issues to test sites. Unless your student falls in one of those categories, I’d say take them.

I support the notion that “recommended” really should be read as “required” unless there is a valid reason (e.g., finances) that prevented the student from taking the tests. The next question is which tests to take? I don’t think it matters, unless the school has a specific requirement (e.g., most engineering schools and colleges require a Math and a Science).

I would definitely try to have 2 subject test under my belt for any school that indicates that they are “recommended”. That being said, I would only submit scores that help the overall application. What those scores are will vary depending on the selectively of the school. I don’t know enough about NCCH to comment…Good luck.

So what happens if the subject scores don’t turn out that great?

If a school says “recommended” but not “required,” I would take them unless there are unusual circumstances, as suggested.

Your son took the SAT twice and the ACT once? I could be wrong, but taking the SAT for a third time may not make much of a difference. Maybe study for a 2nd attempt at the ACT and then study for 2 subject tests and take them in place of the regular SAT?

Of course I say this without knowing the details of your son.

@twogirls yes he took the SAT twice and ACT once. Typically they do best on the SAT the third and final time. His ACT score was not as good and our college advisors (school and external) says to concentrate on one over the other. His PSAT was also better than his PLAN test so that was a pretty good indicator as to which one to focus his efforts on.

Ok good…

I would take the SAT one last time and also take 2 subject tests. Good luck!

I didn’t take any SAT Subject Tests in state, and a lot of other people I know didn’t and we were accepted. I don’t think they are a deal breaker at all for in state, and I think, especially for students who taking these tests so many times poses a financial burden, it isn’t necessary. But of course, doing whatever you can to raise your chances makes sense. I just wouldn’t feel never-ending doom and gloom if you aren’t able to take them for whatever reason.

@MissSuzyQ Thanks for the info. Do you mind sharing your scores and GPA since you are in state and got accepted? We think DS is on the bubble with SAT scores and GPA, so that is why we were even considering it. He’ll be a senior this fall.

I was sort of on the bubble too:

SAT: 1940 (old version–not sure what this translates to in the new version)
ACT: 29
GPA (unweighted): 3.96
GPA (weighted): 4.75 when I applied

A big thing for UNC (from what I’ve heard) is essays and extra-curriculars, so if your scores aren’t amazing, you can definitely shine in other ways.