I fell in love with Duke awhile back and decided to ED there this fall. I’m well-aware that it’s a long shot that I’m admitted, even though ED raises my chances from 8% to around 20%, but I wanted to know if not submitting SAT II Subject Tests will harm my chances at getting in as I am submitting an SAT score.
I’ve been reading a lot about it, especially on this website, and have seen a lot of “if you’re a middle- to upper-class student, ‘recommended’ means they want to see it for sure.” That’s totally freaking me out because I’m in these socioeconomic categories, and I don’t have any subject test scores to submit.
My only excuse for not taking having them is that I live in South Dakota, and there aren’t any testing centers close by where I could take them. (The nearest one is about 1.5-2 hours away, which I know is not a total excuse since it’s drivable.) Does the admissions office take this into account? Would they say, hmm, where are her SAT IIs but then realize, oh, she lives sort of in a remote area…? Is it going to hurt my chances or does submitting them merely raise applicants’ chances? Should I maybe (or have my guidance counselor) add this to my application so they really know it? Or is this not necessary/would look bad?
Have you taken the ACT? With Duke, unlike most other top schools, if you take the ACT, then you’re fine not having the subject tests. I was in the same position as you were just recently. I hadn’t taken the subject tests but was going for a Top 25 school. I pulled the trigger and took Math 2, Literature, and Chemistry last weekend. If you are submitting the SAT, then you pretty much need to take the subject tests. There are kids who have gotten admitted w/o subject tests, but your chances are much, much better with them under your belt. Maybe instead don’t ED to Duke and wait until RD when you have time to take your subject tests. If you’re concerned about losing the ED “boost”, you could opt to apply to schools that don’t put as much of an emphasis on subject tests like UChicago or Columbia, which are both extremely elite. Good luck in whatever you choose - I’m right on there with you!
I haven’t taken the ACT–just SAT. I honestly would just RD Duke, but I am concerned, as you said, that I would lose that ED boost. Plus, I just checked right now actually, and the nearest test center offered is 4 hours away. I honestly would wait, though, if there were somewhere nearer where I could just go for it and take the tests. You don’t think there’s any bearing on where I live? It’s take the tests or die trying?
@sodone1 When I was at Duke, they said they take into account that there are geographical and financial limitations for the SAT 2 so if you mention it, Im sure you won’t be penalized. And I think you should definitely try — you never know!! good luck!!
@sodone1 We don’t know your stats, which would be helpful. If your GPA and ACT score are in the top decile to quartile of Duke enrolled students, and other factors are strong as well (ECs, essays, etc.), not having the subject tests may be ok.
Regarding ED vs RD, I don’t think the acceptance rate difference is as dramatic as you think after adjusting for recruited athletes and legacies. Being a resident of South Dakota is an advantage, but if your stats aren’t in the top quartile, I might consider applying RD.
Being in the top quartile will help. So will taking the subject tests on 11/3, although it might be too late to get into a testing center at this point. Agree with the poster who thinks the ED advantage isn’t as great as you are thinking.
You should call Duke ASAP to discuss your situation with your admissions counselor and get advice on whether to hold off for RD or continue with ED. Most the exceptions are for low SES kids who don’t have the ability to drive 1.5 - 2 hours to the testing center; as you are not in that group, your “situation” may not be viewed quite the same. OTOH, how many apps do they get from SD? Your admissions counselor will guide you.
Other college counselors might be giving great advice but unless they happen to be Duke counselors specifically, their advice might not be relevant.
An update: I spoke to my Duke admissions counselor and he said they would not expect any student, no matter the SES, to make a 2-hour drive to take a test. Feeling much better now.
Gonna see how many apps from SD they get. I know there are only 2 undergrads from SD now. Hoping to make that figure 3 next year.
Of course that is the (politically correct) answer. That does not mean that not having a high score helps your application. In other words, having a 750+ will help your app. I’d advise to make the drive.
No way I could make this drive without a car or a parent to drive me.
Future students in my situation: Got into three of my top schools that recommend/require subject tests with listing my reasoning on the application. No stress!!
@bleedorangebaby deferred at Duke but am taking this well even though I know it’s a longshot from now because !
1 out of 16 from my school admitted (PS: he didn’t have subject tests and had a 1510 on his SAT)
2 out of 16 deferred (including me!)
A deferral can easily happen even if you score 800 on all your subject tests - while they can help, they don’t determine the outcome in most cases. @Sodone1 has been in communication with the admissions counselors to explain the situation and has very likely done his/her best per all reasonable standards (including standards that the AO uses).
