How many SAT IIs are really necessary?

<p>I currently have 2 SAT IIs under my belt, and I am wondering if it is important that I take a 3rd. All the schools I am applying to only require 2, but do additional test scores look much better? I am debating on whether or not to take the Math 2 this October...</p>

<p>Here are my current stats:
SAT I--2320
Math- 780
CR-760
Writing-780</p>

<p>SAT IIs
Bio M--750
US History- 790</p>

<p>APs
5s in US History, Biology, & Lang & Comp</p>

<p>GPA- 4.0 UW, 4.42 W
ECs- strong</p>

<p>I will be applying to the following schools:
Yale
Columbia
Barnard
Duke
UNC
USC
Wash U
Brandeis
Rutgers</p>

<p>Any opinions would be greatly appreciated.</p>

<p>My D has the same questions. If a college requires 2 SAT IIs is it really better to take more than 2 subjects? It seem that many in the CC world seem to take quite a few. Does that look better than just the 2 required?</p>

<p>IMO there’s no reason to have lots of SAT IIs. However, I kind of like having 3 even though it’s more than you need for all but a couple of schools. This is so that you can show some well roundedness in taking a math, humanities/social science and a science test. That said, my younger D is sitting on this question right now. She’s taken a science, will take USH at the end of the year, but would have to do some serious review to take the Math 2. I think it comes down to what other things you have to do and whether or not it’s a good use of your time.</p>

<p>Flutisa, your numbers look really strong so far, I’m not sure another SAT II would make a difference on acceptances for you. If it means just sitting down and taking the test, it could be worth a few bucks to further support your application by taking the Math 2, but if it means significant prep, I’d say don’t bother. Also, since Y (and maybe others?) don’t permit score choice, you don’t want to throw a so-so score in with all of your great ones.</p>

<p>p.s. looks like an nice, well thought out list of schools (I’m assuming you’re from NJ?)</p>

<p>Normally, I say more is ALWAYS better but in your case, I don’t think it will much matter since your scores are all excellent. However, you should take Math 2 if you are applying to an engineering or science-type major, particularly physical science such as chemistry. Take a M2 practice test or two, and if you can score 750+, it’s worth it to add to your application.</p>

<p>As long as your scores are good (which they are), taking the required number of SAT IIs is enough. I don’t think adding an extra subject would help too much.</p>

<p>deleted post…</p>

<p>As long as you are not applying to Georgetown or Harvard, you are good to go.</p>

<p>bb has a great point about taking the Math 2 if you’re interested in eng, math or sci.</p>

<p>If you can take the Math2C, get the 800 and be done with it then by all means go for it. It’s only an hour out of your time and can only serve to increase your chances at admission. With that said, I wouldn’t recommend you go for it if you have to spend a lot time preparing for it beforehand or it you aren’t confident in your ability in earning a high score. Because of the nature of the test you might not need to prepare for it at all.</p>