<p>The only Ivy I'm applying to is Harvard, but chances are 1,000,000 to 1. I told myself if I scored higher than a 30 on the ACT I would apply, and based off my multitude of practice tests it looks like that's a very good possibility. So I decided to chance myself and apply. I've shared the story of my life with some people and they said it's one that would definitely make me stand out. My grades are from low A's to a couple of high ones. I took the SAT back in March and got an average score, but looking around on the CB website I found the subject tests. I took the AP Chem exam this year and scored a 2, took the practice subject test and only missed 3. Took APUSH and got a 4, took practice subject test and only missed 2. Took practice literature and missed 4. Took practice Biology and missed 2 or 3.You may notice the pattern, that I'm not doing bad at the tests. My fee waiver allows me two free subject tests. Should I take Chemistry to show I actually understood it, but just had a bad test day when I took AP? And maybe Literature after studying because I want to major in English? It says that they're not required, but I want to show that I do care about my studies and want to make the best impact I can on the committee room. I'm known to be a pretty good writer (from what I've heard), so I think I can share my story in an effective manner. </p>
<p>If you apply, I would definitely recommend taking the SAT subject tests. Harvard has only listed that they “recommend” SAT subject test so as to not scare off high-achieving first-gen and/or disadvantaged kids who didn’t even realize they should take SAT subject tests. If you do not fit this description (although I think you may), Harvard will expect you to take two subject tests. </p>
<p>Even if you fit in the category of people who are not actually required to take subject tests, you should still take them anyway if you think you will score well. The fact that there is a significant discrepancy in your practice test scores and your actual tests scores is a little troubling though (although from what I understand the format for the AP Chem and US exams is much different than the format for the subject tests). Do you usually get a lot of test anxiety? Do you make sure to keep your practice testing conditions as real as possible (as in, no extra time to finish that last problem, no breaks except between sections etc.)? Or do you really think it was just a one-time fluke? </p>
<p>@butterfreesnd I try to simulate it as best as I can. I even woke up on a Saturday and worked through the entire test and still got a 31 I think. I’m so ready for it because I am prepared. For the subject tests I just did the practice questions in about 25-30 minutes for each test. I think that’s the right time frame because there were ~30 on each one. The Chem II test was more straightforward than the AP exam. APUSH I expected a 5 but got a 4. I have very bad test anxiety. But I have confidence. I’ve learned how to dissect ACT questions and the subject tests were decently straightforward. If by one time fluke you’re referring to the AP Chem exam I think it was the format. I made a 2 on the mock exam and a 2 on the real one. But they did change the format of the exam this year. With last year’s format I made a 4 and a 3 based off mock ones I took. It’s a complete mystery as to why I do really well on one test and awful on another. 
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<p>Subject tests are optional at H for students from disadvantaged backgrounds who never realized they had to take them. That certainly doesn’t seem to apply to you. If you want to get into H you’ll need to take the Subject tests.</p>