"Recommended" Subject Tests

<p>Northwestern "recommends" 2 Subject Tests. How important is this in the evaluation process? My daughter has taken AP tests in every subject, and the ACT and has her transcripts with A's in all AP classes. What is the additional value of the Subject Tests? She has one so we need to decide soon how important it is to take a second. The logical one to take is Math 2 but my understanding is that what's covered in Math 2 is math topics she took as a Freshman and Sophmore so not very current for her. We're inclined to apply with just one Subject Test assuming her other credentials tell her story appropriately. Any advice? Thanks.</p>

<p>Subject tests are purely optional at NU. As they will tell you during the on campus tour, not taking or submitting them will not count against you. We know many admitted students (including our daughter) that never submitted any. I would go with none over one, particularly if your kid took the ACT.</p>

<p>Thank you!</p>

<p>I got in without any, and know multiple other people who got in without any. If your daughter takes them and submits them, though, then they need to be very good. Like, she probably shouldn’t submit anything <700 or high 600’s.</p>

<p>My S is a freshman and he got in ED with 0 SAT IIs. His situation is simiar to your D,s and he called Admissions and they told him they were more for people who knew a subject but graded poorly, or flubbed an AP test. Save your SAT Ii money and spend it at Edzo’s…</p>

<p>On the other hand, while I agree you might not need subject tests for NU, it’s probably not a good idea to dismiss them completely. Most people will be applying to more than one school, and even if you apply ED to Northwestern with no SAT II tests, there’s a chance that you may get deferred or rejected, leaving you one month to possibly secure those tests. I would take one or two tests just in case.</p>

<p>There are many schools where optional SAT 2s are essential. NU is not one. I would only send if you have two good scores (above 700). I would take two or three exams because you may need them for other universities.</p>