I plan on taking 1-4 Sat Subjects, I’m just unsure if I’d be wasting more time than needed when studying for both history subject tests, when only one would suffice. Thoughts?
AP European history was a huge effort and huge time sink when one daughter took it. I call it the hardest A- that I have ever seen in my life. I can’t imagine that US or world history would be any easier.
Personally I would not take both at once. I would only take one if you really like history and can read at a fast pace with very good retention of the many little details.
The function of SAT subject tests is to meet the college application requirements (or for application to some UK universities). Afaik, the only college that requires 3 subject tests is Georgetown; I’m not aware of any that want 4. So the question is: what would be the purpose in sitting extra ones? To have extras in case you don’t like one of the scores? if so, make sure that you aren’t applying to any schools that require you to send all your scores!
Is there a limit to how many I can attach to my app? I do recall hearing about a two SAT Subject requirement at some schools, it didn’t even occur to me that sending in more than three tests wouldn’t even be viable. I agree, more work is more work, especially if it goes uncalled for.
You can have CollegeBoard send as many scores as you like. The question is: to what end? The college process takes a lot of time and money (adding score reports costs). You want to use your resources wisely.
Belatedly, I noticed your user name, and checked out your other posts. Subject tests have an additional function for home schooled applicants- validating their level of mastery of a subject (especially if they are ‘pure’ home schools, where all grades are given by the parent/student). However, for that purpose you would usually look to have one in each of the main subject areas.
Also, did you notice that UChic has dropped their SAT/ACT requirement? It might suit you as a school.
However, there is another piece to consider: from another post, you seem to have nearly no math at all. With the exception of Brown, pretty much every college will require you to take a course that is somewhat quantitative (you are checking out the distribution/general education requirements of the colleges you are thinking of applying to, yes?). As you mentioned an interest in getting a PhD at some point, I suggest you look at statistics classes to fulfill your quant requirements- most PhD programs have some requirement along those lines as well, as part of research methodology coursework.
Ah, you’re a gem! and yes, hence my point of anticipating to do a few more subject tests than necessary (which, arguably, still may be overkill - as it wasn’t a pure homeschool regimen either). Regarding my earlier posts, a lot has changed - I’ve matured thankfully, with doing so I’ve come to the conclusion that I do what to regain a decent standing with Mathematics etc. Ironic that you mention UChi, as I’ve just read about that as well, and that furthermore (beforehand of SAT news) it was one of the most attractive institutions to me. That said, I’m aiming for colleges within the NY metro area now, SATs and subject tests in hand. The question is how many?
Imo, the why/which question is more important than the how many*. For example, subjects that show some mastery in things that you haven’t done outside the house. So, if you have done humanities classes at the local community college, then doing a math and a language makes more sense than 2 histories. Or, if the centerpiece of your application is your passion for history, as evidenced through your non-academic activities, then having multiple histories makes sense.
Your application is like a portfolio or a story of who you are overall, that demonstrates to the AdComm that you have the academic chops to do well in their school, and that convinces them that you will be a good addition the campus community in general, and round out your year group in particular.
*assuming that you meet the requirements of the college in question ofc