<p>Most of the top thirty colleges (according to usnews) require SAT II subject scores. And a few of the ones that don't often require them after you are enrolled simply for course placement too.</p>
<p>Are the SAT II Subject tests really that important to the colleges that only 'recommend' them? Are the SAT II Subject scores generally thought to be given more weight than the ACT/SAT I scores in the admissions process?</p>
<p>Yes, you are required to take them. I asked an admissions officer at Duke the same question once. The person told me that the only reason they say "recommended" instead of "required" is because some people aren't able to take SAT IIs (money, other extenuating circumstances). I was told that they are basically required for everyone else.
SAT II scores are not given as much weight as SAT I scores. I don't know the exact policy; most people can only guess. They're not as important as GPA and SAT Is, that's all I can say for sure.</p>
<p>You can only assign a "weight" or "importance" numerically if the university uses a formula. Many public universities, like the University of California, DO use formulas. I know that the University of California weights SAT I and II scores equally in its formula, but they also look at other factors (essays, etc.)</p>
<p>If the admissions people SEE a score, it will inevitably affect the final decision in some fashion. How could you not be affected if you saw an 800? It MUST make an impression if it is seen. The "objective" factors become subjective factors when put through the human admission filter. Once you know that the score is seen, the rest inevitably comes down to mood, the overall "feel" of the application, etc.</p>
<p>Anyway, that's my guess.</p>
<p>Ok, thanks for the information.</p>
<p>I'm dreading having to take those SAT IIs in October. For some reason, I'd always been under the impression that the ACT, which I took, was a replacement for the SAT I + IIs. Maybe since the act is touted so often as being "based on high school curriculum", and from some selective reading on my part, I figured it wouldn't be necessary. Big mistake on my part.</p>
<p>mo, which schools are you applying to that you need SAT IIs in addition to the ACT?</p>