I currently have finished the Chemistry, Math IIC, and US History SAT Subject Tests and have fairly high scores. Because of my mom’s insistence, I’m currently studying to take the SAT Bio test in October. Some sources I’ve found said that more is better, while others have said more makes one look like a “test-grubber”, and may not be recommended. However, I haven’t even started my college essays. Is it better that I continue studying for the SAT Bio to add to my application, or should I use this month before school studies really pick up to focus on my college essays to get those finished?
Schools that want subject tests have recommendations or requirements posted on their web sites as to how many and which ones. Which ones may depend on your intended major (e.g. sometimes the engineering division, or a school with a heavy engineering focus, will want to see math and a science).
Have not heard of any schools wanting more than three for typical applicants.
Some unusual cases might mean additional ones:
- If you are a native or heritage speaker of a non-English language, taking that subject test should be as an additional one to those normally recommended or required (e.g. the fourth one if applying to schools that normally want three).
- If you are home schooled or otherwise have a high school background that may be seen as being of questionable quality, some additional subject tests may help validate the home school or otherwise questioned high school course work.
However, in the absence of such an unusual case, you may look too much like a “test grubber” for sending in more than the largest number of subject test scores for the schools you may apply to (probably three).
As mentioned above, no school requires more than 3 subject tests. However, for certain programs (e.g. integrative science at Northwestern), you will need to submit specific subject test scores (Math2, Chem, and Phys in the case of the example above).
Many “top” schools require zero. Will take the ACT instead. Do your research and see
Really. Look at what the colleges themselves say not “some sources.”
Focus on your college essays. 4 subject tests won’t do any more for you than 3. Most top schools only recommend 2, so 3 itself is more than enough (I took the same 3 as well!). There is no point in wasting all that time, money, and (IMO) happiness.
You should be done with testing.
@hjy213 – As others have said, be sure to check institutional websites to find their requirements regarding subject tests. Many colleges that once required Subject Tests now make them optional, and this includes places like Amherst, Duke, Haverford and others. Some schools still recommend them but again, it’s up to you.
Brown requires 2 Subject Tests or the ACT w/ writing. Georgetown strongly recommends 3 Subject Tests. Other schools like Cal Tech require 2 Subject Tests w/ one being Math Level II and one test in either Biology, Chemistry, or Physics. We have a link on our website to a list of these schools and their policies regarding Subject Tests. Please let me know if you need this link.
Thank you. I have seen the requirements for the colleges I’m applying to, which is why I have the Math IIC and Chemistry. I plan on majoring Chemistry. And colleges always recommend something but usually want more, which is why my mom was so adamant about four, especially since my brother did the same. Convincing my mom will take extra effort, but that’s a whole other problem. Again, thank you all for the advice, I will be asking my guidance counselor as well just to have other professional advice.
If you’re at the point that you’re working on essays, you have a list of schools where you’re likely to apply, so you don’t need to make this decision speculatively. @ucbalumnus’ advice should be bookmarked by anyone who is earlier in the process, but you can check the websites of the schools you’re considering and reach out to your school’s reps if you’re still uncertain after you’ve reviewed them.
The very tippy top tier colleges won’t be impressed by this. Former Yale admissions dean Jeff Brenzel:
“With respect to programs of study, we are less concerned with particular course designations and more concerned simply to see that candidates have embraced and performed well in whatever their schools offer as a most challenging program. At the same time, we are not particularly drawn to one-dimensional students who have made their sole or primary objective in life amassing the largest number of honors or AP courses conceivable, accompanied by multiple efforts to achieve the world’s highest test scores.”
While your mom may think your brothers’ additional subject tests got them in, the fact is many top schools are eliminating the SAT2 requirement b/c it’s become another prize which students chase (and generally wealthier ones) that has little correlation with success on their campus. They’ve removed the SAT2 requirement in order to attract a broader applicant pool – including many from school districts that have never even heard of SAT2s.
Once you can demonstrate academic excellence, top colleges will then view your decision-making skills. To pack on tons of SAT2s when you already have top marks is an example of less desirable decision making – they wonder why you’re not using that time on more productive pursuits versus topping off test after test after test. This isn’t India or S Korea.
Your essays are 5,000x more important than a Bio SAT2 test when you’ve already done well on others. Any thinking outside of this is madness.
And for any college that wants a 3rd or a humanities score, you have USH.