How essential are subject tests?

<p>If a school asks for a certain number of subject tests how required are they? Like if you have an act and sat score but no subject tests will they automatically deny you?</p>

<p>Check the application requirements; some schools CONSIDER them, and some REQUIRE them. For example, Stanford says that it is helpful to include subject test scores, while Harvard requires two subject tests (with rare exceptions). If the school requests them they are required. Yes, it can mean that they will not consider your application. </p>

<p>Every college states exactly what their requirements are. It might say “SAT I and two SAT II subject tests OR ACT plus writing” or “SAT OR ACT; plus 2 SAT subject tests”. You have to dig deeper for each school you are interested in. If it says “recommended” – then my take on that is that as long as your score is average or above, turn it in.</p>

<p>There is also the possibility that if you don’t take SAT IIs that are recommended that you are not considered a serious applicant to a school. YMMV</p>

<p>For clarification, Harvard does not require SAT subject tests, though they are recommended. They are the first of any Ivy League to make any sort of a step in the test-optional direction, and this change was put into effect in late May. See their exact language here: <a href=“https://college.harvard.edu/admissions/apply/application-process/sat-subject-tests[/url]”>https://college.harvard.edu/admissions/apply/application-process/sat-subject-tests&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>Not submitting required materials would be considered incomplete application. It will not be denied as it has never been reviewed.</p>