My question is simple: how much weight does Princeton place on subject tests? Should I send an extra 50 dollars on them? And what scores should I shoot for? I would take Lit and World History.
Just like the other Ivy League schools, Princeton doesn’t place much weight on subject tests. Anything 750+ is probably a good enough demonstration of your competency to pass the adcom’s evaluation. Good luck with your studying.
Not sure I concur that Princeton doesn’t place much weight on subject tests. Until this past year, two subject test scores were required. This policy was changed to indicate they are now recommended but not required. BSE prospects are encouraged to take one math and either chemistry or physics. Bear in mind that those who apply are competing with approximately 27,000 other applicants, many of whom will have taken the tests and have great scores to prove their aptitude. For recruited athletes the SAT II scores are part of calculating the academic index. Personally if it doesn’t create an enormous hardship to take them and you want to be as competitive with other applicants as possible, I’d say take them.
I completely agree with Cantiger. Competitive scores on subject tests can definitely strengthen an application and many of your fellow applicants will be reporting them.
I agree too. If I were an adcom reviewing a file without subject test scores I’d be inclined to think that either a) taking the tests had posed a financial hardship on the applicant, or b) the scores were withheld because they were low. Unless the applicant’s demographic background convinced me it was the former, I’d assume the latter.