I took two subject tests in November and I did not do as well I as I expected to. None of the schools I am applying to require subject tests, but they are optional. How bad is it to not submit them?
Are they recommended? What are the schools and what were the scores?
@suzy100 I’m applying to the UCs, Stanford, Washington University at Saint Louis and USC. My scores were 700 and 650 respectively.
UCs (I’m applying to all but UCB and UCM):
All but UCD recommend.
Stanford:
Considers, but not required
USC:
I can’t tell from the information I’ve skimmed. I think Considered but not required
WUSTL:
Not required, don’t know about recommended.
Oops, I forgot to add that UCSC does not recommend subject tests either.
To go into a bit more detail for the UCs:
UCLA: I’m applying for Undeclared Life Sciences
UCD: I’m applying for Cognitive Science
UCI: I’m applying for Cognitive Sciences
UCSD: I’m applying for Cognitive Science with emphasis on Neuroscience
UCSB: I’m applying for Biopsychology
UCR: I’m applying for Biology
UCSC: I’m applying for Neuroscience
Recommended for UCs taken off their website http://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/freshman/requirements/examination-requirement/SAT-subject-tests/index.html:
UCLA: Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science: Math Level 2 and a science test (Biology E/M, Chemistry, or Physics) closely related to the applicant’s intended major.
UCD: Not recommended for any area.
UCI: Henry Samueli School of Engineering (including the joint Computer Science and Engineering major): Math Level 2 and a science test (Biology E/M, Chemistry, or Physics) closely related to the applicant’s intended major.
Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences: Biology M, Chemistry, and/or Math Level 2.
School of Physical Sciences: Math Level 2.
Program in Public Health Sciences: Biology E, Biology M, and/or Chemistry.
Program in Public Health Policy: Biology E, Biology M, and/or World History.
UCSD: Jacobs School of Engineering and biological or physical sciences majors: Math Level 2 and a science test (Biology E/M, Chemistry, or Physics) closely related to the applicant’s intended major.
UCSB: College of Engineering: Math Level 2
College of Creative Studies:
Math Level 2 for math majors
Math Level 2 and Physics for physics majors
Biology for biology majors
Chemistry for biochemistry and chemistry majors
Math Level 2 for computing majors
UCR: College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences and Bourns College of Engineering: Math 2 and Chemistry or Physics, for all majors
UCSC: Not recommended for any area.
See this thread pinned to the top of this forum:
@Dolemite I read through that, but if it’s optional, shouldn’t that mean that it’s optional for everyone? Why should I be punished when it’s optional for everyone?
Basically that thread points out that it’s not truly optional for everyone and that’s the way it is fair or not.
as a follow up question to the new information: Should I just submit them regardless of the sub par scores to let the colleges know I attempted them? Or should I retake in December for higher scores?
bump
If they are sub-par (though you don’t define what that means) then retake them.
Quote from WashU website about SAT Subject tests:
‘Do I need to take any of the SAT Subject Tests (SAT IIs) to apply to Washington University?
Washington University does not require SAT Subject Tests. However, if you do take them and submit your scores, we will only consider them if they strengthen your application.’
So no need to send scores of 700 and 650 if you did well in the classes.
College dependent, you need to find out what each thinks. Contrary to wash u quote above, when we attended info session at Georgetown they noted that while the SAT subject tests are technically optional, you need either a totally amazing application otherwise or a good reason for not doing them. If the websites aren’t clear, I’d suggest contacting the admissions office to clarify.
Stanford? WUSTL? Please understand the competiton will be submitting scores and they’ll be tops. How do you think adcoms will react when they see you didn’t submit? “Oh, he’s taking advantage of the"optional?” Or, “Dang, I’ve got ten other kids lined up who did- and their scores are solid?”
Sorry about that. When WUSTL says, “only if they strengthen,” it doesn’t mean they don’t matter at all. Imo, it refers more to the Attaboy for a great score. This kid’s got 10 things we look for and that one has 9.
@Erin’s Dad I mentioned my scores in a comment sorry. 650 for Math II and 700 for Bio M.
Remember in college admissions “recommend” means “you better do it to be competitive with your peers” unless there are specific reasons for not doing so (e.g. poor applicant that cannot afford the test fees).
this could be a little easier to answer if we had more context and you’re willing to share, your SATs or ACTs, gpa, rigor etc… You should send the Bio, but adcoms will wonder about the second or third test, they kids take more than one at a sitting, in that case you may better off not sending. I know not helping, but we need more info.
@socaldad2002 is “recommend” different than “require”? I emailed all the colleges about my exact situation and they specifically told me it would not hurt my application. I’m so sorry for this frantic panicking! I wish they would be more clear about what they want.
There is really no good answer. If you submit both scores, your SAT Math 2 could impact your chances and if you do not submit any scores, this could also impact your chances.
You are applying to very competitive schools where most applicants will be submitting SAT subject test scores. If you have an overall exceptional application, one low SAT subject score may not have much of a negative impact on your chances. I would submit the Bio score only and hope for the best.