I was wondering how many SAT Subject Tests is a good amount to take in order to get into an Ivy? I was also wondering if you have to take SAT Subject Tests in order to get into an Ivy because we don’t have a very high income (like many others) and I think we can only manage to pay for AP exams and the SAT. How do people with low income deal with this dilemma? (This sounds like a bit of an out-of-place question and I am sorry for it in advance!) Is it really necessary to take SAT Subject Tests? Is taking just one a bit too unreasonable?
I’m not an expert, but I thought that Ivy’s usually require at least 2 SAT Subject Test scores. You can pay for one session and do three subjects in one sitting, so just doing one would be pretty unreasonable.
Yeah I thought so, but I read on some sites that some selective schools recommend taking at least 3 SAT Subject Tests and I don’t think I can afford even 1 at the moment…
I see… Also, is it really better to take at least 1 in the math/science category and at least 1 more in the English/history/etc. category? Or is it fine to take 2 SAT Subject Tests in the math/science category?
I would definitely try to take a math one. If you just take one more, take whatever subject you are good at. If you take more, then maybe try to take something in the English/history area.
I heard that the English test is hard. Do you have to get a perfect score on the SAT Subject Tests in order to get an 800? Also, around what score is a “good” score? And is it possible to take a SAT Subject Test twice on the same subject?
First, make sure you fulfill the college’s requirements. Most upper echelon schools will require 1-2 SAT2s, and each major may have different requirements (Engineers are recommended to take a Math and Science, Financiers should take a Math, etc.)
Secondly, take tests in these requirements that you are good at. For instance, when I took my SAT2s last year, I was in the middle of APUSH, Honors Physics, and Pre-calc. So, when I decided which SAT2s to take, I picked USH, Math 2, and Physics. My point is, don’t stress over which tests have gentler curves or anything, pick tests you’re prepared for.
Unless you are homeschooled, there is no school requires more than 3 subject tests. However, some schools may use SAT2 scores in lieu of SAT/ACT for admission while some may use it for placement purpose. Check the list in the link below for SAT2 requirements. Note that the list is from a couple years ago but there should not be much changes.
If you have two SAT2 scores from different core area, you are pretty much set for most schools. Engineering (and science) schools may require Math2 plus a science. Sometimes, the requirement is specific to a program instead of the school (e.g. Integrated Science at Northwestern).