<p>I was wondering if anyone knew the importance of subject tests to Williams. My thought was that it was kind of important, but not too much, but I could be very wrong. I'm just wondering because I'm pondering retaking some subject tests whose scores are good, but if Williams puts some weight on them, then I'll have to retake them. Thanks a bunch</p>
<p>I think Williams requires two subject tests, so they must count for something. An admissions counselor could give you a better idea of how much weight they carry. My guess is that Williams uses subject tests as another factor to consider in trying to get a complete picture of the applicant’s abilities. If you think you can improve your scores, retake them I say. Higher scores never hurt.</p>
<p>Retake them if you think you can do better. Higher scores are always better, unless you compromise them by taking the tests too often. At Williams, they say they look only at the highest scores on each test (and if they go to the trouble to say it, it is very probably true).</p>
<p>I don’t know what weight Williams gives to the scores. They consider the whole package. Still, scores must be amongst the first things they see when looking at a folder. If you have strong scores across your SAT IIs and your SATs or ACTs, you will come across much better than if your scores on either or both parts are weaker than many other top candidates’.</p>
<p>Don’t focus only on what Williams might want. You shouldn’t just be preparing to apply to Williams, but to an array of schools, including at least one “foundation” school you know you’ll get into (and where you could be happy going). The admission process is full of surprises.</p>
<p>And I think you now have a score choice reporting option, so what, other than the fee and the time, is to lose with taking the tests again if you really think you’ll do better (and bettering your scores through effort could be quite satisfying).</p>
<p>^ Some good points there, Grace. The admissions process is indeed full of surprises… I came into it expecting to go to one place, and came out of it going somewhere completely different.</p>
<p>Also, I can’t believe applicants have score choice now!!! That would have alleviated so much stress for me, but I guess applicants’ scores are going to look even better now that they can choose which ones to send. So the ridiculous amount of competition will still exist… <em>sigh</em></p>