SAT Subject Tests-Should I take them?

Should I take them? I know Vanderbilt doesn’t require them, but would I be hurt in the application process if i do not take/submit subject tests?

You wouldn’t be hurt not having them. Plenty of people get in without. They can be helpful though, and they’re not that difficult to study for.

small fine point…our Vandy son used his SAT Spanish subject test to place out of actual Spanish courses. He barely made the required score on the subject test and had a not impressive 3 on the AP Spanish test. He used all sorts of different ways to meet his requirements at Vandy including taking entry Danish while living in Copenhagen junior year. He took this test in June right after graduation from high school and he spent time prepping for the SAT subject test. For whatever reason, he didn’t want to take Spanish in college. Duke son also took the SAT Subject exam. He chose to start German from the beginning in college as he knew he wanted to do their Duke in Berlin program as a junior. Perhaps the uses of Subject SAT tests are dwindling in college placement…but look at placements in foreign language or math at your college list schools and see if Subject tests serve you in some future manner. Also, a handful of top Ivies required 3 a few years ago. Make an Excel sheet and make sure you understand how your colleges use Subject tests. Vandy students who had an AP of 5 used to be able to move ahead in Chemistry freshman year…be shrewd…not everyone wants that choice but take a look.

No harm in taking them. The choice comes into play regarding submitting them. There is no penalty for not submitting, but if submitted they may be considered, so only send in scores that enhance your application or might help you get credit.

http://admissions.vanderbilt.edu/quickguide/

  1. SAT Subject Tests are optional. If official scores are sent to Vanderbilt, they may be considered during the application review process.
  2. For students who enroll at Vanderbilt, some SAT Subject Test scores can be used to meet language proficiency requirements in the College of Arts and Science, and to meet mathematics requirements for some majors in Peabody College.

There is a bit of “denial” among busy seniors about SAT Subject tests…sometimes our local kids will go sit in on them because they have the incorrect idea that an AP test in a similar subject will just transfer over to the SAT Subject. Not really true. Then they are disappointed that their scores are only so-so good. These are one hour exams and are paced accordingly. Buy the book and do the two prep tests. Clear your mind so you can do your best or do not bother taking them IMHO. Also, few students do really well with two in one sitting unless they are super prepared. Our sons only took one at a time and aimed for over 750 scores. Lastly, there is nothing wrong with taking one after you have chosen your college in the spring. Take one in June senior year if it has course placement advantages for you. It is very hard to clear Saturdays as a senior as your extracurriculars demand that upperclassmen show up and lead. But put your foot down and make the time for your admission exam choices.

If you take the ACT, don’t a lot of schools require 2 subject tests? It was like that when I applied 3 years ago