I recently realized that a lot of the universities I am applying to recommend 2-3(!) SAT II subject tests. This isn’t a huge problem since each one only takes an hour, but I’m kind of stuck on which subjects to take…I will for sure take the Literature test and maybe the Math Level 1 (yikes), but I really don’t know what else to take. I am already taking the AP US History test in the spring, so won’t the SAT II look quite repetitive? I am 100% not a science focused person so there’s really no reason to “showcase” a score from a SAT II science test (rough times when that section contains the most variety of subjects). Any advice?
Colleges that require or recommend subject tests usually require or recommend two. The known exception is Georgetown which recommends three.
The safest course is to check each college to which you intend to apply and see what they say about possible subject tests. Typically if applying for science or engineering, they will suggest (and some require) a math and science and in some cases the math 2 not math 1. If applying for a major in math, business, or architecture, they may suggest a math and again some may want the math 2 not the math 1. If applying for other majors, you often can choose any two, but some may suggest that one be close to the major you are seeking, and a few like Carnegie Mellon require a math for all Arts and Sciences majors; moreover some, like Stanford, say that if you choose to submit a math it should be the math 2.
You also have a small number of colleges that have alternative testing requirements in that you can submit subject tests, usually three, instead of submitting an SAT or ACT test score. For those, the three required may be specified such as a math or science, a humanities, and one of your choice.
Also, taking AP and SAT tests in the same subject is actually often a wise choice. Many colleges don’t use AP test scores to determine admission but will consider the SAT score in the same subject.
Thank you! I am planning to major in Political Science, though, so I am assuming the math test is of little importance. I would take Math Level 2 but I haven’t taken pre-calc yet. Do you know if pre-calc is a large portion of the subject test?