How many SAT IIs should one take? (2 questions)

Test Preparation
1

<p>What is the optimal number of SAT IIs one should take? Does taking five demonstrate a student's interest in many subjects, or will GPA demonstrate that and taking five tests is a waste of time? Each test that I would take would require additional study outside of class taking time away from (our favorite word) our passions. Does it make more sense to win some award over taking more than the required (3?) SAT IIs?</p>

<p>Second question: considering my desire to go to one of the top liberal arts schools in the country (Amherst, Swarthmore, etc.), what is the lowest score that I can get on an SAT II without retaking it. I got a 710 on Biology and am kind of upset with it, but I don't know if it's worth my time to retake it. Thanks.</p>

2

<p>i took five, and i think it really shows interest. I took us history, spanish, bio, chem, and math ic</p>

3

<p>That was my plan. Does anyone else have any input?</p>

4

<p>In fact, most schools only require 2. A detailed list of requirements can be found at <a href="http://www.compassprep.com/admissions_req_subjects.aspx%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.compassprep.com/admissions_req_subjects.aspx&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>Of course if you can do well on more than the minimum, it can only help your chances. Generally ST scores fall around a school's median SAT scores, so if you're able to post 5 scores above that level, go for it.</p>