<p>Hey all,
I'm thinking about applying for SECA next year, and I was wondering what people think about numbers of the Subject test an applicant "should" take.
I know, I know- there isn't anything like I "should" take as long as I take more than two. Also my performance other than standardized tests will be counted as important or more important. But I just want to hear what people think about it. I'm just thinking about sending two subject tests, because I don't have time (if I put regular, then I would take a couple more) to take so many tests by November... Do you think just two tests are fine, or do I definitely need to take more?</p>
<p>I was accepted RD this year. I submitted 2 tests.</p>
<p>My daughter was also accepted RD, and also took only two tests. Remember there are other statistics also that Harvard considers; for example, are you taking any AP exams?</p>
<p>Hey guys, thanks for the answer. That’s a relief… I gotta target 800 for both of them, though. </p>
<p>And Rizado, no, because my school does not offer AP because of their unique school philosophy… But there are AP level classes that are not AP and I got A+, which has rarely happened here. And I also got A from a college class I took with college students as an audit for a semester, and it was not as selective as Harvard but still was a selective private university, which most people know… So I’m not particularly worried about AP. I’m certain if my school had AP classes, I would’ve taken them and the exams, and I think those records I already mentioned can prove it…</p>
<p>I remember reading online that Harvard puts the most weight on AP exams, more than SAT subject tests and even SAT/ACT.</p>
<p>If (a) the school you are going to, the one that doesn’t offer AP classes because AP is too plebeian, is well-known, and regularly sends graduates to Harvard and its competitors, and (b) you are getting A+s in the most advanced non-AP classes there, then don’t worry about not taking AP classes. Harvard admissions will know how to read your transcript.</p>
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<p>Of course, the higher the score the better, but don’t descend into the line of thinking that you NEED perfect scores on SATs and SAT subject tests to get admitted to selective universities. I was admitted to Harvard with a 2190 SAT I (740R/730W/720M) and a 790 and 720 on the US History and Math II subject tests, respectively. In addition, I only took 3 AP classes (granted, that was still the most demanding schedule at my school). In other words, challenge yourself academically, but remember that your application is comprised of LOTS more than just scores and grades.</p>
<p>For reference, I also had no hooks to Harvard.</p>
<p>I also had no hooks and scored less than 800 on both submitted tests. It is good to aim for the perfect score, but don’t be discouraged if you don’t get 800s. SATIIs are not the end-all, be-all of Harvard admissions.</p>
<p>You only need to submit 2 SAT II Subject tests.</p>
<p>That said, some high schools, where all the classes are taught at an advanced or honors level, recommend students not enrolled in an AP class take the SAT Subject Test if they have a 90 average or above in the class. So, my daughter ended up applying to Harvard with 5 SAT II Subject Tests (Math 2, Bio, Chem, Physics, US History) – none of them were 800’s. She submitted all of her scores under the “having more data points is always helpful” thought process, but she (and I) strongly doubt submitting more than two helped her chances. In fact, my daughter is convinced that it was her essays and teacher recommendations which sealed the deal.</p>