I am applying to top-tier schools. My ACT is high but my SAT subject test scores are low. Specifically a 710 in chem and 720 in math 2. Should I submit them to schools even if they don’t require it? I plan to major in biomedical engineering or biochemistry. Also, compared to my ACT, my SAT is about 100 points lower, should i also send those along with ACT to all schools too?
You should submit your ACT and SAT subject tests, but NOT your normal SAT I. Not many people take subject tests, so showing that you did take them shows that you are more serious about your academics than most. And anyways, those scores aren’t bad, the general rule is to submit subject tests above 700.
Subject tests are one of the least important academic factors in your application. So as long as your SAT, GPA, and grades are high, then yeah, I would submit the SAT subject tests. If they aren’t high, then don’t waste your money on an application unless you’re an URM or a female.
Your ACT math score is a better metric to measure your competency in mathematics, and to a lesser extent, of chemistry as well. For example, I got similar subject test scores: a 760 in Chemistry and a 720 in Math II. My ACT math is a 34, my ACT science is a 35, and my high school grades in all maths and chemistry, all of which were honors or AP, are all A+'s. The other scores like ACT and your class grades are more important. If you end up with an A+ it shows that you put in a lot of effort since it’s a long period of time.
If you got a good score on a subject tests, you could have just crammed. Also, I feel like there is a disadvantage to students who have not taken algebra in a long time (I finished Algebra II in middle school and I’m a senior now). I forgot how to do very basic algebra things, like matrices, and forgot some algebraic formulas (like the formula for the vertex of a parabola) that are not really used in higher level maths (for example you can just calculate the vertex using derivatives). As I said previously, your grades in higher level maths are indicative that you are able to do simpler math and just perhaps forgot some things like I did.
Best of luck, I think you will be fine! I would submit your scores ASAP, as the deadline is later tonight for the regular decision cycle of many high-tier schools.
I am in the same boat as you and posted a discussion about this same topic (http://talk.qa.collegeconfidential.com/college-admissions/2045086-should-i-send-optional-subject-test-scores-to-prestigious-schools.html#latest).
Also, next time I would write the title of your discussion as a question and be more specific, it seems to draw more attention.