Harvard calls for 2 SAT Subject Tests. Is it of benefit to submit more than 2 Subject Test? Or will it hurt chances? I’m naturally stronger in English and Social Studies so I’m considering World History, US History, and English Literature when I complete AP World, AP US, AP Lang, and AP Literature either this year or next year. However, I’ll also be taking AP Calc AB, AP Calc BC, and AP French over the next two years and was wondering if it would benefit me to talk Level 2 Mathematics and the French Subject Tests? What would you recommend taking?
To answer the first question, as long as you score over 700 on all, sure, submit them.
You are putting the cart before the horse. Wait unitl you have at least and a chance to understand how easy or difficult French is for you. You take subject tests in subjects you think you will get the highest score. Bottom line. Unless you plan to major in math or engineering, I don’t see why you should take subject tests in math or physics. Or if the college you apply to specifies a certain test. Otherwise, don’t bother. I am guessing you are a sophomore, so you have a lot of time.
If you do want to take math level 2, it covers only up to precalculus and trigonometry material, so you can take it as you are completing that course (no need to wait until after taking calculus).
No need to take more than colleges ask for. Your time would be better spent elsewhere. Some schools like to get hone humanities and one STEM SAT II but if there are no such guidelines at your top choice schools take the tests where you feel you will do the best.
I found the French subject test surprisingly easy, so if languages are a strong point then definitely take that - just learn some vocab.
Here’s the caveat: At Harvard, little elves in the basement (well, work/study students) assemble a cover sheet which lists only the top 2 Subject Test scores. The other scores will appear deeper inside the package. So the AO may see them, but won’t certainly spend a lot of time thinking about anything more than 2.
Agreed. Sending 3 might by OK, but after that, your application would benefit from you spending the time on your essays instead of taking extraneous tests.
@skieurope , thanks for the smile. I was unaware of the little elves, but I am guessing that our OP, lookingtoHarvard, is perhaps going to apply to some other schools too. In that case, submitting three scores over 700 might impress elves (really, their boss) at other colleges 
@Lindagaf I suspect it’s the same at other colleges as well.
I would say taking more than two cannot hurt. Harvard may only require 2, but my guess is you will apply to more colleges besides just Harvard, and some require 3. Assuming all the scores are good, it will only show that you have a solid understanding across a wide array of courses. Also, I found the subject tests to not require too much prep on top of just the course, so there isn’t really a downside to taking more than two.
One school that strongly recommends 3 is Georgetown. So if you can do well with 3, then take the third.
Thank you for your help. I guess my question at this point is, if I were just going to choose three, what three would be the best to choose? I feel like I would be able to do very well on any of these five:
World History
US History
English Literature
Mathematics II
French
It’s personal opinion, but if you want to show an array of talents, I would do either US or World, Literature and Math II.
The Language SATs are tough on the curve because many native speakers take them.
@yonceonhismouth Good advice - I fully agree. Also, just as a head’s up, the Literature SAT does not require much additional studying for someone who is already strong on the SAT EBRW test. My daughter took it without any additional studying and did very well.