SAT Essay or SAT Subject tests: Which are more important?

Test Preparation
1

I got a 1580 and a 6-4-6 on the SAT this June, and I’m planning on taking the Math II and Physics SAT subjects tests in October.

Should I retake the SAT in August for the sole purpose of improving my essay score, or should I take the subject tests in August so that I have two shots at them?

I’m kind of nervous about the Physics subject test so I think taking it twice would be helpful, but I’m not super happy with my essay score. If it helps, I’m planning on applying to some pretty selective schools like Carnegie Mellon, Johns Hopkins, and UT Austin as a Computer Science major.

2

No. The 1580 is an excellent score.

None of which require SAT with essay. Many top colleges have dropped the essay requirement from SAT/ACT, including Harvard and Yale. More will follow. Spend the time of other aspects of your application.

3

SAT Subject Tests are definitely more important. Most top schools require SAT Subject Tests (unless they are a financial burden). However, most colleges don’t consider the SAT Essay.