We have also been discussing SAT subject tests lately. I’m not really sure how many schools even recommend them anymore. I guess we need to check them all. But DD is thinking she will take two and if she does well they can only help. Her APUSH teacher told them that studying for the AP is almost the same as for the SAT so she wants to take that one in May while she is the study zone. Then Math 2 in June. Do any schools want more than 2??
We are struggling here with subject tests as well. DS20 has a competitive summer program that starts out of town June 1. That is the day of the SAT subject tests. He could try to register for the May tests but that is right at the start of AP testing and he is taking 6 AP tests. He feels no need for subject tests and if he doesn’t get into his highly specialized first choice then will be heading to one of the large state schools he’s visited. He will go to the one that gives him the best scholarship. By that logic he doesn’t need the subject tests. However we think they might be a determining factor in some of the competitive merit competitions that he will be trying for. Of course, he thinks he is headed to his number one and there is no need for any other hoop jumping. Curious what others are doing for subject tests.
@Musicmom2015 Georgetown is the only one I can think of off the top of my head that requires 3. A couple schools will let you substitute 3 subject tests for the SAT or ACT as well.
None of my D’s potential schools require it, so skipping it. Less money to CB plus so busy with actual school exams, APs, ECs, drivers license, and a job.
With so many schools being ACT/SAT optional I can’t see them really focusing much on subject tests (outside the tippity top).
D20 signed up for the May subject tests. Math 2, Lit and Chem. Figured the closer they were to AP tests the better… she can just study for one and take both tests. D18 only took 2: Lit and chem, but heard that schools like to see the math, so D20 signed up and will send her best 2 to the schools on her list that consider SAT II tests. For those who’s kids are taking them, which tests did they sign up for?
Instead of searching college websites for Subject Test information, you can look at section C8 of the schools Common Data Set (CDS). Probably the most interesting bits are whether they are used for Admission or Placement.
@hs2020dad S20 applied to 3 summer programs. He received 1 rejection and is waiting on the other 2. Due to lack of transparency to selective summer programs, it is almost impossible to project results. But the 3 on his list were expected to fall into reach/match/safety bucketing.
@2manycollegequestions4me S20 is signed up for June. I am still trying to “influence” his decision to add either Bio or US History to the day. I told him he is free to add more tests on the test day 
D20 has only recently decided on nursing, so she does not have any nursing ECs, per se. She applied for a volunteer job at our very urban children’s hospital, and got it. It’s only 1 day a week, but should be able to fit nicely with her other sports commitments.
@hs2020dad My son as well did not get in to the 2 hyper-competitive programs that he applied to and is waiting on a third. I had encouraged him not to apply to one of them but he went ahead and then regretted it. I do believe that the app writing will help a great deal with future college apps, and they have learned to respect the benefits of a true safety. I wish times were simpler though.
We are doing math II and Physics subject test in June. DS has done Math II but the swimming coach from one of the schools that he is looking at asked him to retake the Math II (he got 750 the first time he tried). So I really hope he could bump up the score somewhat. 
Other than Georgetown, I don’t know any other schools ask for three subject tests. But I agree with one poster up, if the results are good, it will only help with the application. I don’t think any schools are stating these tests are “required” anymore, but at least from our experience talking with selective D3 school coaches, they are “needed”.
Thanks, @chb088 for the tip:
He decided to go for an online class and search for a summer job (he is a tennis player - decent but not recruitable - seems like his coach is trying to get him a part-time job to teach younger kids or as a hitting partner to senior players). Maybe its a blessing in disguise - hopefully he works on essays.
@makemesmart, wow, I thought anything 750 and higher on SAT II was “good enough”. D took it last year and got a 760 and I told her that would do, but then she’s a humanities major. What did the coach say was an acceptable score? Thanks!
@Octagon, D as well did not get into two competitive summer programs, and I too think the app writing process was useful as a practice run for college apps. I encouraged her to try something different and at least try to create a pretty unique summer abroad opportunity - will see how it goes. Best of luck to your son for the third program!
Anyone’s child apply to SSP’s astronomy camp? Ds attended and loved it.
@typiCAmom A 750 is good enough for most schools. There are a few where anything below an 800 is going to stand out as “low” Cal Tech, for example. http://www.admissions.caltech.edu/apply/first-yearfreshman-applicants/class-profile
This summer D20 will be taking a couple of classes at our local junior college and has a part time job at an ice cream shop lined up. She should be pretty busy!
No subject tests over here - not needed so testing is over!! Summer will be short but S20 looking for a job and planning on completing college apps as the open.
I think the issue with the Math II is how many students get an 800 - when my son took it, his 800 was 79th percentile. Compare that to his 770 on US history - which was 91st percentile.
@whataboutcollege which 2 tests did your son sign up for?
@makemesmart I have heard the same thing about when colleges say “recommended” they really mean, take them. 
There is a thread here on cc that talks about that.
@MommaB123 Yes— imptortant point to note—all scores are not equal depending on the subject.
@2manycollegequestions4me S20 already took Math 2 after pre-calc freshman year. He signed up for Physics this June. These 2 should be sufficient for CS or CE. He really likes history and bio and is doing good in class. I thought he could just take the tests with minimal prep. But he doesn’t think it is necessary.
I have confirmed no subject tests are “required” or “recommended”. for DD20’s current list. At 1 school they said “send them if you are proud of them” on the tour but the common data set says “considered if sent”. She is willing to take her chances without them so she is officially done with testing (until grad school).
“I think the issue with the Math II is how many students get an 800 - when my son took it, his 800 was 79th percentile. Compare that to his 770 on US history - which was 91st percentile.”
I think ubiquitous 800 for the Math II is to be looked at as something which places those kids on solid footing with others in their cohort of applicants who are solidly built for STEM. It should, I would think, be looked at as another data point which confirms the GPA and the kid’s stated preparedness for a rigorous STEM program.
Now what that is going to do to my solidly Un-STEM kid, well, we’ll have to see.