<p>Hey, /c/omrades:</p>
<p>So, this is my first post on CC and I'm not sure if I'm in particularly the right section (sorry if I'm not) but I wanted to ask your guys' opinions on the matter in the title. So my question, more specifically, is whether the iffy results of a subject test (or an AP test for that matter) could lead to my not being admitted where I otherwise would have been.</p>
<p>I'm asking this in the context of the ivies, Stanford, Berkeley Engineering, etc. where it is extremely competitive.</p>
<p>Now keep in mind, I completely understand how difficult and rigorous the admission process at these schools are. In this scenario, assume that my SAT I scores, ECs, grades, and everything else are what they need to be.</p>
<p>I'm especially interested the case of schools like Stanford where subject test scores aren't required. So in that case, could subject test scores and optional AP test scores actually hurt you?</p>
<p>I’m currently applying, and now when I look back at how much I stressed about SAT II’s and the PSAT, I realize that I really shouldn’t have. </p>
<p>I’m looking at some pretty competitive scores with SAT II and National Merit Semifinalist status, and I can’t help but feel dissapointed that the top schools hardly give a crap about these things.</p>
<p>I’d say focussing on the SAT or ACT is WAAAAAY more important.</p>
<p>Glad to hear that, my other scores are fine, so that comforts me. Either way, as I understand it, being a National Merit Semifinalist does help, even if not drastically.</p>
<p>@SadOnion I scored a 236 on the PSAT and qualified in California. Trust me when I say that the colleges that you are looking at really don’t give two craps about it (they’d probably give one, but that’s it). I WISH they did, but really its only the schools like Oklahoma University or Arizona State University that have their panties in a bunch about it.</p>
<p>Perhaps you’re right. I’m just happy to know none of these titles/awards I missed out on due to external reasons aren’t going to affect me that much.</p>
<p>@LifeLender How did you come to the conclusion that subject tests aren’t important? Berkeley Engineering says that they are strongly recommended. And especially in the demanding rigors of their engineering curriculum, I would say that the math and science subject tests are one of the key factors in determining an applicant’s qualification. IMO</p>
<p>I would say have 760+ on 2 subject tests to be safe- with the competition at schools you mentioned, anything that doesn’t help you, hurts you. </p>
<p>Also, note that PSAT scores can influence your admission chances- at least at my school, the counselor letter of rec is better if you have national merit. </p>