I think withholding SAT 2 tests that you took looks really bad. I bet they do too. If I’m comparing two comparable apps, from kids who obviously would have taken them, and one didn’t send in and the other submitting less than great scores, I’d take the kid who submitted. Here is why: They are HONEST. With so many applicants, it wouldn’t surprise me if they used that as a auto-cut criteria. I would.
Brown doesn’t require subject tests so it’s hardly dishonest not to submit them. Why would the adcoms think it “looks bad” for students to do what they told them they could? You’re a high school senior. Other students shouldn’t base their decision to submit scores based on what you would do if you were an adcom because you aren’t an adcom. There may be different expectations for students from upper income families or certain selective high schools, but those families generally have professional guidance to let them know what those expectations are.
MODERATOR’S NOTE:
Closing thread. The pointed tone of the OP only succeeds in inviting debate on the topic, which violates Terms of Service. Additionally, this is hardly the first time the topic has been raised, so there is no reason to start a new thread. See the current existing thread:
http://talk.qa.collegeconfidential.com/college-admissions/2027962-sat-subject-tests-are-not-truly-optional-for-middle-upper-middle-class-applicants-at-elite-colleges-p1.html