Would not submitting subject test scores reflect negatively on my application? I am thinking about just sending a great ACT/SAT score.
Almost every applicant has great SAT/ACT scores. If they are recommended, send them.
Harvard is a reach for everyone, including you.
I’m not sure honestly. I’m applying EA to H and I’m not sure if I’m going to send subject tests. I may just send my ACT. It is recommended but the website says that you don’t need to send them if you would simply like your app considered without them.
Given that Harvard recently made SAT Subject Tests optional for students who cannot afford to take the tests – or for students who want to have their applications considered without them – your SAT-ACT test scores would have to be soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo exceptional (read 2400 or 36) that it wouldn’t matter any way whatsoever if you submitted SAT Subject test scores or not.
Bottom line: Unless your have a perfect test record and cannot financially afford to submit SAT Subject test scores, your application is at a disadvantage if you don’t submit an SAT Subject test record. (FWIW: Even though Harvard looks at your application without regard to whether you can afford to attend the college (need-blind admissions), Admissions can still see if you have applied for a fee-waiver. Those students applying for a fee waiver are generally given “a pass” when it comes to SAT Subject tests. Those who do not apply for a fee waiver are at the mercy of the Admissions gods.
@gibby but will applicants without SAT subject tests be rejected because of the lack of them on their app? I’m not totally convinced…
Of course not. Will your application be weaker without Subject Tests? Maybe. Maybe not. The only people who know that answer to that question are the Harvard AO’s, and I doubt you will get a definitive answer from them.
My son did not submit Subject Tests and was admitted to the class of 2020, even though we could afford to pay for them. He just felt he had more important things to do in high school than sit for additional tests. However, if you are coming from a below average high school, you should probably send in Subject Test scores to confirm that your academic abilities truly are strong. The College Board offers SAT fee waivers for low income students.
@gibby - does anyone know why my original question to you of yesterday is no longer on this thread???
The question and the responses were split onto a new thread. @hcmom65
http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/harvard-university/1910652-sending-subject-tests.html#latest