Is SAT Subject Tests still worth taking since many colleges are opting for test-optional?

I am an international student and even though I’m tempted to not take it because that will save me $121, I’m worried that it might affect my application. What is your opinion on this?

As an international student, depending on where you’re going, from my limited knowledge, it seems like it would still be a good idea to take them so colleges can see more information about you. I’m no expert though.

It’s hard to know without knowing which schools you plan to apply to. Many schools don’t require subject tests at all. Some that did, are waiving them this year. Maybe you can focus just on the schools that don’t require them.

Are you female? If so, you might want to check out schools that like international students and also provide financial aid, such as Mount Holyoke and Bryn Mawr. You might want to also look at the policies for FA for internationals at Wellesley, Smith, Vassar (which used to require subject tests but I understand they waived the tests this year), Barnard, Agnes Scott, Simmons, Scripps.

Without context, it’s hard to know if it’s worth it. Are you applying to MIT? Probably worth it. Are you applying to Penn State? Probably not worth it.

As posters have said, it is hard to know whether they are worth it at this point because so much depends on factors specific to the applicant and the schools considered.

On balance, and on average, I’d say it is worth taking and submitting subject test scores if achieving 750+ would require relatively little effort. If it would be tough to achieve those, then my gut tells me an applicant is better off concentrating on other aspects of her admissions profile.

Best of luck, OP, whatever you decide to do.

Interestingly, MIT no longer even considers subject tests. Mudd and CMU also stopped considering subject tests. Apparently, they were following Caltech’s lead, announced in January.

I’m applying to top-tier colleges like Yale, Harvard, Amherst, Pomona, Columbia

I’m applying to top-tier colleges like Yale, Harvard, Amherst, Pomona, Columbia. Do you know how much significance do colleges put on SAT Subject Tests?

What do the admissions websites say for the schools to which you are applying?

While Harvard and Yale, just to pick two, have waivers this year, their standard is a recommendation of 2 Subject Tests unless there are financial hardships. Their waivers say you won’t be at a disadvantage if you don’t submit them. This doesn’t mean you can’t be advantaged if you submit top scores, IMO.

It gives you the option of not submitting them if you don’t do well, but I believe submitting very good scores would increase your chances.

Also, most of these waivers were aimed at this year’s Juniors who were unable to take the tests in the normal May/June test sessions. Are you applying this fall? If not, I would assume testing will be back to normal next year and fall 2021 applications will have the normal requirements.

Become familiar with colleges’ admission websites. If you are a rising senior, this year more than ever, it is important to read the college’s requirements yourself directly on the website.

“Yale will not consider SAT Subject Tests for the upcoming admissions cycle.”

Subject tests are “optional” for Columbia.

Amherst: “SAT Subject Tests will not be considered as part of the evaluation of any applicant’s academic record.”

Pomona does not mention subject tests. (Another Claremont Consortium school, Mudd, will not consider subject tests, a permanent change they made following Caltech’s announcement in February, not relevant to the virus situation.)

You can, and should, look up the requirements for the rest of your college list yourself.