<p>My academics couldn't be any better (course load, GPA, etc), I'm ranked 1 in my class, I have pretty strong EC's, and I have really strong essay. However, I am really lacking in test scores. I only made a 30 on the ACT. Also, I just took subject tests and got a 670 Biology E (I guess that's somewhat OK for Bio E) but I got a 590 on Math II. I'm applying to Harvard early action, but since I HAVE to send 2 tests -- does bombing the Math Subject Test screw me over? It was my first time taking subject tests, and I did NOT time myself well (I had 40 questions left when they called 20 minutes left so I think I did well on Bio considering that lol). I have bad test scores (30 is below the 25%tile for Harvard) and subject tests (they normally want 700+ -- 670 is eh but 590 is sooooooo embarrassing). I can't retake the subject tests and send them in for Harvard EA, so do I even have a chance with such terrible scores? </p>
<p>If you really want to attend Harvard, put forth the best app you can and apply. Your test scores are weak but you definitely have a chance given your other academics. </p>
<p>Keep in mind that <em>everyone</em> who applies has a low chance of getting in. </p>
<p>You took the SAT and ACT 2-3 times but waited until october to take your subject tests? Why?</p>
<p>Submit them all and roll the dice for Harvard.</p>
<p>yikes… i wouldn’t submit your subject tests. they’re optional at harvard anyway.</p>
<p>@oxoxhawja3xoxo You’re misinterpreting Harvard’s requirements. Harvard specifies that the reason why they don’t require subject tests is because not all applicants can afford to take them. This policy is designed almost exclusively for those who either can’t afford to take the subject tests or come from schools with such poor counseling that they don’t know about subject tests. OP is neither of these. Not sending in subject tests to Harvard when there isn’t an obvious economic reason not to shows Harvard one of two thing: either 1) the applicant is not interested enough in Harvard to put the effort into taking the tests or 2) the applicant did poorly on the tests. OP, I would go ahead and send them, although I thought harvard accepted November scores for SCEA as well.</p>
<p>If you can’t afford to take them, there are fee waivers just like the ones for the SAT. I think it is optional because APs are a better representation of learning the material anyway and the SAT II’s are just redundant. Maybe I’m crazy. I don’t know. I took them by choice because anything that can help me get in I’m going to do @430ktk </p>
<p>You can send in your application, but you need to face the fact that you aren’t going to get in. Does it make more sense to apply EA someplace else where you are a low reach instead of a stratospheric one? I say cut your losses and make a rational plan that gets you the best set of colleges to pick from in April. Another choice is to skip EA, retest on Dec 6, and send in all apps RD (including Harvard).</p>
<p>My D is in the same boat (but with worse subject scores).
Strictly speaking you can still take the Nov Subj test in time for EA - but is that enough time to get your score up?</p>
<p>I attended Harvard’s information session and they said it’s optional if you live in a place where they’re not really offered or can’t afford them or whatever but said otherwise they’re basically required if you want to get in. </p>
<p>@430ktk I’m taking the normal SAT in November as I was gonna take it in October but replaced the normal SAT date with taking subject tests </p>
<p>I feel like it’d be more important to try and get a higher SAT score than the 30 ACT equivalent than try again with subject test scores, right? </p>
<p>@oxoxhawja3xoxo Fee waivers don’t cover the entire cost of the SAT from what I’ve been told (I didn’t look this up, so I could be wrong on that.) However, read about the policy on Harvard’s admission website or its newspaper and it is clearly stated that the policy is designed to remove one of the extra barriers that keeps low income kids from applying/having complete applications. Harvard has made it very clear that they expect SAT IIs from any applicant who is able to take them. This policy is really only for those who are unable to take those tests.</p>
<p>Here’s an article from The Crimson, Harvard’s newspaper, explaining why subject tests are optional and what exactly that means. It has nothing to do with AP test scores or anything like that.
<a href=“SAT IIs No Longer Required for Admission | News | The Harvard Crimson”>http://www.thecrimson.com/article/2014/5/28/sat-subject-test-admissions/</a></p>
<p>"The Admissions Office chose to make the change because the cost of taking SAT subject tests may discourage low-income students from applying, Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid William R. Fitzsimmons ’67 wrote in a statement.</p>
<p>“While two SAT Subject Tests are normally required, the Admissions Office recently decided to permit applicants to apply without them, particularly if the cost of the tests represents a financial hardship,” Fitzsimmons wrote.</p>
<p>The change is part of ongoing efforts to attract applicants from a range of socioeconomic backgrounds."</p>
<p>To me, this means if you aren’t a low-income student, it is not really “optional” if you hope to get in.</p>