Carleton says that two Subject Tests are “recommended”. I haven’t taken any of these yet, and taking these tests would require me driving 2+ hours to a testing location (plus all the additional studying).
I will have taken 6 AP tests by the time I apply to Carleton. Could this make up for me not taking subject tests?
What is your experience with subject tests? If you go to/were accepted to Carleton, did you submit subject test scores?
Thanks!
Is your app above their average in all other areas?
Daughter did not submit Subject Tests and was admitted. She had strong SAT scores but grades a little below average compared to the typical Carleton application.
thanks @DODIAT
@intparent I haven’t taken the ACT yet, but my practice test results are all towards the top of their middle range. I have straight As, lots of APs, and good extracurriculars.
Well… practice results aren’t real results. If your real results were 75th percentile and higher, and you have a strong UW GPA and solid ECs, then you could skip them. Carleton is need aware, so if you need a lot of FA and think you can turn in strong subject test scores, consider taking them.
@intparent good point about the need-aware factor… I hadn’t considered that, and I will have significant financial need.
They apply their need-aware criteria to primarily students on the cusp of admission criteria – so if you are not on the higher end of the pool, good subject test scores can help. The good news is that I think they do not require all scores – so if the subject test scores aren’t as good as you hope them to be, you can choose not to send them.
The need-aware on the cusp is good to hear. Daughter is a good fit for Carleton, but we will definitely need a fair amount of aid with two kids in school.
Hopefully you have run the net price calculator. 
For them and about 80 other schools. It was pretty good overall, though I am hoping the loans come in a bit lower.