How important are SAT Subject Tests?

Applying to College
1

<p>UVA, Duke, and Vanderbilt are the higher-end colleges that I am applying to. I am thinking of taking three subject tests (either US History-Math 1-Math 2 or US History-Math 1 or 2-Spanish), but don't know if they are really necessary. Right now, UVA is a high match and Duke and Vanderbilt are low reaches. Will three subject test really make that big a difference on my application? If I do go the US History-Spanish-Math route, which math should I take, 1 or 2?</p>

2

<p>What level math class are you in now?</p>

3

<p>-Vanderbilt says it will consider subject test for placement in Freshman year classes and during the application process. They also suggest Math 1 or 2 for engineering applicants.</p>

<p>-UVA says, “Results from two SAT II Subject Tests of your choice are strongly recommended. If you intend to study the sciences, we recommend choosing mathematics as one of the two subject tests.”</p>

<p>-Duke requires two subject tests along with your SAT score.
<a href=“Apply - Duke Undergraduate Admissions”>http://admissions.duke.edu/application/instructions&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>I think you should definitely take them, especially if you want to go to Duke. For the others, if you get a great score it can’t hurt to submit them!</p>

4

<p>For competitive schools that only recommend SAT2, take them as required.
Read the document in the link below for the SAT2 subject test requirements at various schools.
<a href=“http://www.rtsd.org/Page/1574”>http://www.rtsd.org/Page/1574&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

5

<p>They are relatively important, but I wouldn’t freak out about them. </p>

6

<p>I’m am in BC Calculus right now</p>

7

<p>Generally speaking, it is not recommended that you take both Math I and II unless your college specifies it, or you have some sort of special circumstance, because they are kind if redundant (it would be like taking an Algebra I and Algebra II test, if you are taking the algebra II test, it is assumed you are comfortable with algebra). As you are in BC, you should be well prepared for Math II. Thus, the recommendation of a random person on the Internet would be to take US History - Math II - Spanish. </p>

8

<p>Take the tests as it helps at some and you never know if you may decide to try another school that requires them.</p>

<p>Which tests would somewhat depend upon you major choice. If STEM, I would do a science, Math II - Spanish. If you are thinking Humanities, then I would go with choices on prior post.</p>

<p>Oh, and Go Pack Go!</p>

9

<p>Thanks for the advice, I think I’ve got it figured out now</p>