<p>I am interested in thoughts regarding the need/helpfulness of SAT subject tests for DS, who intends to apply to a conservatory for Vocal Performance B.M.
Does it make any sense to spend the time and energy to do this? If so, in what areas? He is strong in French, and probably could do OK in Math 1 or History.
Thanks for any help you can give us.</p>
<p>My take is if he's academically not going to hurt himself by bombing the subject, take the test.</p>
<p>If he's a natural, has a genuine interest, "knows his stuff", and is not going to lose music prep time in studying for the test, go for it.</p>
<p>Scores won't matter for straight conservatories, but in some of the high academic standards programs like Rice, a great score may just illustrate another facet of his talents.</p>
<p>If it's going to detract from audition prep, be another financial outlay that could be better directed somewhere else, or if he's going to stress or study massively over it, don't bother. In those cases, it's a diversion. </p>
<p>My son is a history buff. He read texts when he needs a break from music, and still does. It's his one passion besides the Muse.</p>
<p>Rice requires them, I believe. My S never got around to taking them, and therefore, had to knock Rice from his list. I'm thinking that UMich also fell in part for that reason. So check your son's list, and see if any of the schools require them or use them. If not, save your money.</p>
<p>Thanks for the thoughts. I think what I am going to do is have him try out the sample questions on the SAT website, and if one or more of them seem like they are a cinch, then it may be worth doing, otherwise, not to worry about it. DS's school encourages the kids to take these, but I agree that given all of the things that DS has to do to get his applications ready -- and try to do his regular work-- this should be very low on the list, particularly as how he wants to get material in to Oberlin for Early Review, which is due November 1.</p>
<p>Some very good universities (Rice, for example) require the SAT IIs. I'm not sure how much the grade matters for gifted musicians, but they are required just to be able to apply. I'd suggest taking two of them.</p>