<p>First of all, I apologize if I'm being redundant for, even I myself have seen several threads pertaining to the necessity of subject tests. However, what brings me to create this particular thread are the generally mixed signals that I'm receiving from this board. </p>
<p>Many of the schools that I'm looking into, according to their websites and collegeboard.com, "recommend" the submission of sat subject tests. </p>
<p>My question is, is how "recommended" are these tests, really. The term "recommended" is incredibly vague, so I'm very unsure if that means that schools really want students to submit sat IIs and simply don't require them, or if these schools just plainly don't care. Some posts that I have read on this forum indicate that these schools really could care less whether a student submits sat IIs or not, but other posts that I have encountered stress that its probably a good idea to take these tests and that if you do, it'll show initiative and only be beneficial for the student. </p>
<p>The main reason for my inquiry is that my sat IIs are pretty solid and I'd be totally fine with submitting only them to sat II optional universities, but my sat I is yet below par, and thus prohibits me from submitting my sat IIs readily. I would probably much rather submit only my ACT and not show these schools any of my sat results, but if not submitting subject tests will hurt me in the admissions process, then I will certainly focus on raising my sat I so I could confidently submit all of my sat tests.</p>
<p>So guys, what's the real deal?</p>
<p>Thank you, thank you, and thank you for responses.</p>
<p>How should I interpret the SAT Subject Tests "required" vs. "recommended" vs. "will consider" language on applications?
“Required” means exactly what it says: your application will not even be considered unless you submit the required number of Subject Test scores. “Recommended” is the most elastic term and should be interpreted in light of a college’s overall competitiveness and in consultation with its admissions office. Although Stanford only “highly recommends” the Subject Tests, in most cases it would pose a severe handicap to an applicant not to submit Subject Tests. Schools that “consider” the Subject Tests generally treat them as supplemental material that can give a more complete picture of a student’s academic abilities. The University of Notre Dame is typical in its statement: “Subject Tests, AP tests, and IB tests are only used in the application process if scores enhance an application. They are also used for credit and placement in the first year of studies.” </p>
<p>Remember that many schools that require SAT IIs will accept the ACT (generally with writing) in lieu of both SAT I and II. If the ACT satifies the SAT II requirement, I believe that one could assume that it would meet an SAT II "recommendation."</p>
<p>Chedva, I'm planning on submitting my ACT in lieu of the SAT I and II, but, like I said in my initial post, I'm still confused as to how seriously I should take the "recommendation" of submitting the SAT II. </p>
<p>If it were possible to submit my ACT in lieu of the SAT I and only send my subject tests, I'd certainly do it, but unfortunately, when I submit my subject tests, my SAT I gets sent right along with them. </p>
<p>Bah! Mixed responses again!</p>
<p>Anyone else with a little more concrete advice?</p>
<p>I would send in scores if strong...the standardization of the tests helps colleges judge the academic rigor of your school if not a lot of students continue on to Harvard and the like.</p>
<p>But sending in my sat II scores would also include sending in my sat I scores, which is unfavorable. This is pretty much my dilemma- whether to send in my semi-strong sat IIs with a weak sat I, or just ignoring all of the collegeboard's exams and simply submit my act despite the schools' "recommendation."</p>
<p>I would send in only the ACT - a strong ACT with writing, IMO, trumps the "recommendation" of SAT IIs. Why should a "recommendation" to send a test be more important than a "requirement" to send the test? If the ACT substitutes for the latter, it also substitutes for the former.</p>