Harvard Subject SAT

Colleges and Universities A-Z Harvard University
1

Hey guys I am really keen on SCEA’ing Harvard, however am incredibly nervous about one particular aspect of the application - the SAT Subject Tests.

I have already finished the Common App and Supplement, while most of my grade and extra curricular achievements are at the level required for Harvard, however am yet to fully complete my SAT Subject Tests. I understand that Harvard only “recommends” doing the Subject SAT, but I am pretty sure that not having it will hinder my chances? I will be doing the tests in November, but would it be too late by then?

Thank you! Just for context I am an Intl Applicant from Hong Kong.

2

No.
“Early November Early Action applicants: Last acceptable testing date.”
https://college.harvard.edu/admissions/apply/application-timeline

My belief is the reason many schools have switched to “recommended” is that some applicants from a lower socioeconomic status (SES) can’t afford more tests and/or the applicants attend a HS where no students apply to colleges where Subject Tests are requested, and therefore, may not have received the best advice from a GC.

If that does not apply to you, I am of the opinion that colleges at Harvard’s tier are expecting Subject Tests from all other applicants. Although everyone will have a story about someone who was admitted without Subject Tests, my view in these cases is that there was probably more to the story (e.g. seriously hooked or lower SES).

As an international applicant, your chances for admission are already about half the overall admissions rate. I would think that you would want to present the strongest possible package, and that includes Subject Tests.

3

This question is often debated here. While there is not a universal consensus, personally I agree with @skieurope. My opinion, in short, is if you’re middle class or richer they’re expected and if they start with a “6” or lower they’ll hurt you.

4

Ok thanks for your replies guys. I have a feeling I still may go w/ it simply because I’ve done all the work already required for the Uni and leaving it now would just be a waste and an opportunity I will always regret. I’ll make sure though that my Nov test is hopefully a lot better though haha.

Any other advise you guys have to offer?

5

See this quote from the Harvard Admissions website – this should lay to rest any questions for you:

“International students generally benefit from submitting Subject Tests and should take them if possible as they are unlikely to be admitted on the basis of SAT or ACT alone.” https://college.harvard.edu/admissions/apply/application-process/sat-subject-tests

Harvard is a crapshoot for even the very top students in the US. If your goal is to study in the US, the best piece of advise is to cast your net wider and not just apply to highly selective schools like H (YPS). If you will be a full pay student, there are some great opportunities, especially at highly ranked state flagship universities.