<p>My son took SAT Subject tests after freshman year in Math 2 (790) and Biology M (780). As a Junior now, he's signed up for Physics and US History in 2 weeks, both of which he's taking as AP classes now. I think this is too many, but he thinks he should try them both in the hopes that he'll get an 800 in something. As a math/comp sci guy, isn't it crazy to take a 4th one in History? Thanks.</p>
<p>On the one hand, it's not at all crazy to have one of your subject tests demonstrate some variety. Looked at that way, History is a smart choice, even if he's applying to engineering/math/tech schools. On the other hand, if the only reason he's doing it is to "get an 800 in something," that makes less sense, since his other two scores are already so high.</p>
<p>variety is definitely important for a good school (which im assuming he would be applying to). Most top schools want variety in their students so having the history in there will demonstrate that he is good in other areas as well</p>
<p>The only university I recall wanting 3 SAT IIs was Harvard. Does your child plan on applying to Harvard? Check the web sites of where you think the applications will go and just have enough SAT IIs to match the requirements. I would not take any more SAT IIs unless your child wants Harvard.</p>
<p>Definitely do check the schools' websites. But Princeton and Georgetown still require three, I believe, and I think there are others.</p>
<p>Okay, thanks all.</p>
<p>Looking at your son's stats, I can wager that the schools he wants to attend require 3 SAT subject tests. So, I don't think taking 4 is "crazy", when he wants to show some variety. And I do believe that the variety, especially if he gets a high score on the U.S. History test, will be a major plus.</p>
<p>@mdcissp: Plenty of other schools require 3 SAT subject tests. A number of very good universities (HPYS and the like) and some very good LACs(WASP and some other schools) require 3 tests.</p>
<p>Check the websites of the schools on your kids' list. THere are schools that require 3 SAT subject tests. It's good to have a spare, in case the student does not do well on one of them. The colleges take the 3 highest scores.</p>
<p>Only a handful of colleges REQUIRE three subject tests, but all colleges will regard more subject test scores if they are available (as they frequently are, especially from homeschooled applicants). Variety is good. The Common Application has space for six Subject Test scores without even going to an attachment. My son has taken four tests so far (he is finishing up his tenth grade year).</p>
<p>Okay, good, thanks very much. Sounds like he should go for it.</p>