<p>Most top tier schools require 2 or 3 SAT IIs, but does taking more tests give you a more competitive edge? Or should you focus on other parts of your application, like the essay?</p>
<p>My situation: I've taken 2 SAT IIs (Bio, USH) and gotten 800s, and I'm planning on doing well on Math II in Oct. I was wondering whether I should take Literature as well or use the study time to polish my essays (especially since I heard Lit was really hard). </p>
<p>Thank you!</p>
<p>I believe three is a good number for top notch schools if the score range is above 750+</p>
<p>Take as many as you want and score choice the b-tch.</p>
<p>If you think that you can take Lit and score a 750+, then do it! Any additional SAT II’s over 750 demonstrate your breadth in different subject areas. By the way, Lit can’t really be studied for- besides for the list of literary terms that any decent prep book will have. Critical reading skills generally occur naturally to people who possess them. It’s only hard if you’re not really an “English-type” person.</p>
<p>Yeah, I myself plan on taking at least 3, but most likely 4 SAT IIs. Chem, USH, WH, and Math II. But lots of schools (at least the ones I plan on applying to), require a science and Math II SAT II. WH and USH are out of self interest and not sounding like a total Asian math loser.</p>
<p>I think I’ll end up taking 5. I took 3 last June and I’ll probably take 2 more in May (I mean, why not take the SAT II’s in the subjects I’m taking AP’s in?). I’m trying to convince my parents to let me take just AP Chinese (and not SAT II Chinese), but if I fail, I’ll end up with 6.</p>
<p>Wow… 6 SAT IIs? How much do subject tests matter anyway? Can they help replace AP tests on your app, since my school doesn’t offer many APs?</p>
<p>AP scores and SAT II scores are used for different purposes in the admissions process. It’s OK if you don’t have AP scores (especially since your school doesn’t offer AP classes), but SAT II scores (and good ones, too) are essential for your application if you don’t plan on taking the ACT.</p>
<p>And I <em>think</em> my parents have let up on the SAT II Chinese idea, so it’ll just be 5 tests.</p>
<p>@314159265</p>
<p>Because its a waste of money?</p>
<p>3 SATII’s will suffice. Anything after that is a waste of time. Since you can do 3 in one sitting, taking 3 is ideal, but if study time is limited, taking just 2 won’t hurt you too much (in theory it shouldn’t hurt you at all).</p>
<p>James, I only got one 800 in June. Since I’m studying for AP Chem and APUSH in April/May, I figured I might as well take the subject tests in those 2 subjects. Money isn’t that big of an issue. I’d much rather send 800, 800, 790/800, 780, 740 than 800, 780, 740.</p>
<p>Really, I would say 3 would be enough. Especially because a lot of top colleges only want around 2-3 (maybe some college wants 4…idk). Don’t stress, just take the ones that involve subjects that you’re confident about.</p>