SAT Subject Tests vs. AP Tests

[wilguen]

<p>Just wondering, how important are SAT Subject tests in admission? Are the necessarily required or is it frowned upon if you don't take them? I figure if I'm taking ~14 AP tests then the subject tests won't really matter. Is this a bad idea to not take them?</p>

[skieurope]

<p>It depends on the college. If they require SAT subject tests, you will need to take SAT subject tests.Very few US colleges accept AP tests in lieu of subject tests.</p>

[billcsho]

<p>As long as you fulfilled the SAT2 requirement of the college, that is sufficient for admission. While AP scores will get you college credits.</p>

[castle027]

<p>Colleges don’t really take into account the scores of AP tests when determining admissions, however, many do require/recommend taking and sending in at least two SAT Subject Test scores, so I’d definitely take them.</p>

[gibby]

<p>^^ Again that’s going to depend on the college, so it’s best to see what individual colleges say. For example, Here’s what Harvard Admissions says about AP tests and SAT Subject tests. <a href=“Guidance Office: Answers From Harvard's Dean, Part 2 - The New York Times”>http://thechoice.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/09/11/harvarddean-part2/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>

We have found that the best predictors at Harvard are Advanced Placement tests and International Baccalaureate Exams, closely followed by the College Board subject tests. High school grades are next in predictive power, followed by the SAT and ACT. The writing tests of the SAT and ACT have predictive power similar to the subject tests.

</p>

[tola2015]

<p>@wilguen I visited UChicago 2 weeks ago and the admissions counselor said Subject Tests aren’t required. </p>

<p>University of Pennsylvania: Required Tests
the SAT (which includes the Critical Reading, Math, and Writing sections) and two SAT Subject Tests</p>

<p>​ OR</p>

<pre><code>the ACT Plus Writing
</code></pre>

<p>Columbia: In addition to the SAT, you must submit results from two SAT Subject Tests. Although SAT Subject Test scores are not required for students submitting the ACT, those scores are welcome should you choose to take the tests. </p>

<p>Basically if you stick with only taking the ACT and don’t send or take the SAT then you don’t have to bother with subject tests. </p>

[gibby]

<p>

Basically if you stick with only taking the ACT and don’t send or take the SAT then you don’t have to bother with subject tests

^^ Rather than make a blanket statement like that, it’s best to check a college’s website for those details. For example, Princeton, MIT, Williams, Middlebury still require SAT Subject Tests if you submit the ACT. So, check a college’s website for those details.</p>

[tola2015]

<p>@gibby I got the information from the college’s website for Penn and Columbia. And was told in a meeting by a Uchicago admissions officer so its accurate.</p>

[gibby]

<p>^^ It may be accurate for THOSE schools, but not for ALL schools, which is why it’s wise to individually check the testing requirements of schools on your list.</p>

[tola2015]

<p>@gibby He’s not applying to Harvard which requires them along with the ones you posted. He posted on a different post that he was interested in applying in those particular schools that I listed…</p>

[gibby]

<p>^^ Okay, but FWIW, Harvard no longer requires SAT Subjects Tests to be submitted. See: <a href=“Application Requirements”>https://college.harvard.edu/admissions/apply/application-process/sat-subject-tests&lt;/a&gt;

While we normally require two SAT Subject Tests, you may apply without them if the cost of the tests represents a financial hardship or if you prefer to have your application considered without them. Standardized testing is only one component of our holistic admissions process and your application will be evaluated on the basis of all submitted information.

and <a href=“SAT IIs No Longer Required for Admission | News | The Harvard Crimson”>http://www.thecrimson.com/article/2014/5/28/sat-subject-test-admissions/&lt;/a&gt;

Students applying to Harvard College will no longer be required to submit two SAT subject tests, the Admissions and Financial Aid Office announced last week.

</p>

[wilguen]

<p>@tola2015‌ Thanks for that! I wonder why they do that. It doesn’t seem like the ACT would cover that many topics.</p>

[OHMomof2]

<p>A LOT of schools take t he ACT in lieu of Sat + SAT Subject. Georgetown doesn’t, some engineering schools don’t. </p>

<p>Middlebury doesn’t require the subject tests: “Candidates must submit standardized tests and may select from a menu of three different test options. The requirement may be met by submitting either the ACT; or the SAT I; or three SAT II exams in different areas of study.”</p>