I’m just about to enter my senior year of high school, and I plan to apply ED to the University of Rochester. I took the new SAT in March, and scored a 1370 out of 1600. While that score is good, I’d prefer to have a more competitive score because UR is a bit of a reach for me. Because the ED application deadline is November 2, I only have one SAT date left. I was also considering taking at least one SAT Subject Test because I feel it could strengthen my application (I plan on majoring in Chemistry and minoring in French, therefore I’d take those tests, possibly others as well). Because there is only one SAT date left until the application deadline, I can either retake the SAT, or take the Subject Tests- but not both. I’m also taking the ACT for the first time on September 10, and will have another chance to take it in October if I want a higher score. Would it make more sense to rely on my future ACT score(s) and take the SAT Subject Tests, or retake the SAT and try to boost my score? Do SAT Subject Tests make much of a difference to schools that do not require them?
SAT Subject Tests do not strengthen significantly an application to colleges that don’t require them nor do they normally allow you to get credit for a class like AP’s. Most students who apply to colleges requiring subject tests will take either level of Math exam and either social studies or a hard science like Chemistry. Many of the students taking subject tests in a foreign language are native speakers so it is pretty hard to score super high
@amelior, I’d call them and get some feedback on what test you should focus on. Given their “Test Flexible” policy it’s not clear whether UR would prefer seeing a higher SAT/ACT or two or more subject tests. They can guide you. Be sure to ask them what subjects they wish to see. Also, do you have any AP at this time? They like to see those as well.
Their “Test Flexible” policy can be found here:
https://enrollment.rochester.edu/apply/freshmen/#tab4
Your 1370 concords to about a 1930 which is in their “typical student” range (1900 - 2200) but on the low side. Nevertheless that makes it a “sorta reach”. That’s why you might want to consider taking another test (ACT or Subjects) rather than re-taking the same test. And then send all your scores.
Good luck to you!
@Mamelot I currently have 2 APs and will have around 7 by the time I graduate. If I were to get a so-so score on the ACT, would it make more sense to omit it from my application, or should I send it regardless? Thank you!
@amerlior if you think you will only get a so-so score on your ACT you should scrap your plans to take that exam and direct your efforts to other parts of your application.