So we all know that good SAT subject scores can help your application but aren’t required by most colleges. I’m currently a Senior who is applying to a couple safeties and many high reach schools (35 ACT, 4.0 rounded gpa, Washu, Carnegie, Columbia, Northwestern are top of the list). I’ve submitted almost all my apps and there isn’t much time to improve my app. I already got a perfect score last month on Math 2. Anyone think it’s a good idea to take some time during this winter break to study for two other subject tests and submit them January if I’m confident in getting a near perfect score? How much do perfect subject scores REALLY help an applicant for top schools??
Download a copy of the Compass Guide and read the subject tests chapter carefully.
http://www.■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■/compass-guide/
It’s the best resource on understanding how tests affect college applications.
Thank you @AroundHere! Although there was good info on the compass guide it didn’t quite nswer my question. If anyone can add on please do so.
Yes. My S says the only think he could have done to better his apps was subject tests. Not required…but you want to at least put forward as much as others do! Go for it!
The chart that starts on page 61 of the Compass Guide are much better than random guesses like post #3. For example, if you look up Wash U, there’s not really a strong endorsement to take subject tests, but Carnegie definitely wants them.
Subject tests are not part of the common data set, IPEDs, or the institutional survey, so there really isn’t a better database to check. The only other thing you could do is contact admissions at each of your schools and see if they changed anything since Compass asked them.
OP, given the schools that you are applying to, taking the Subject Tests in January is a great idea. Go for it!
Well for some schools, the SAT subject tests can act like an AP test and waive the prerequisite requirement.