SAT vs Subject tests

Colleges and Universities A-Z Princeton University
1

I’m planning on applying to Princeton SCEA, and I have two possible SAT/subject test dates coming up: October 7th, and November 4th. I’ve taken a practice test on Khan Academy and scored a paltry 1210 - a far cry from what it ought to be. As it stands, I only have a minimal chance of being admitted, so I’d like to raise my score by at least 200 - ideally 300 - points. My weak area is math: in it I scored 520, while my R & W was 690 (and I probably could’ve scored 700 or above if I took more time for it - I finished those sections with around 15 minutes to spare).

Princeton as you know recommends two subject tests. I initially thought I’d take tests on World History and Literature, but discovered World History is not offered on either of the aforementioned dates, and I’m not competent in any of the other subjects, so I’d need to study hard for one of them (probably American History).

So how does it all tie in? Well, I’m deficient in both the SAT and subject tests, and am trying to find a way out of this conundrum, and as I see it I have two option. I can have September to study for the SAT, and October to study American History and Literature. The problem with that plan is that I’m not sure one month is enough time to become proficient enough in mathematics or the subjects tested.

The other option is to skip the subject tests and take the SAT in November, which gives me an additional month of study. This is feasible, because Princeton’s website states, “Some students may find the cost of taking and submitting SAT Subject Tests to be prohibitive. Please note you will not be penalized for not submitting SAT Subject Tests if the cost of taking the tests causes financial hardship.” I’m one of those poor students. On top of that, I’d need to travel to a city dozens of miles away to take the SAT or subject tests in October - only the November date is held in my city - and I don’t own a car. This is the option I’m leaning towards, but I have some reservations. First, Princeton’s website goes on to state that “In such instances, we will rely on rigor of coursework, strength of recommendations, quality of writing in the essays and any other information available to us.” That’s all fine, but I’m missing something important most applicants have though - transcripts pre-grade 12. I had to drop out of school after grade 4, and didn’t manage to keep up in my schooling. Grade 12 was my first year of high school, so I have no records of my 10th or 11th year. My classes weren’t rigorous - I didn’t even have the chance to take AP courses - but working my tail off to get a 94% in physics when I hadn’t taken any math or physics for over 6 years prior to that is - at least to me - impressive, and I did graduate with an overall average of 97%.

Additionally, I’m not sure which would work in my favor more: a higher score on the SAT with no subject tests, or a lower score with two sub-par subject tests? Let’s say I performed miserably on my subject tests - might that make me look worse than if I hadn’t taken them in the first place?

Please tell me whether you think option one or option two is better. Thanks so much!

2

If you could deliver the necessary scores with more time to prepare, apply regular decision.

3

Interesting suggestion, thanks. I heard SCEA substantially boosts your likelihood of being admitted, which was part of my rationale for choosing it - do you think it’s less beneficial than having higher scores/subject tests? The other important thing about SCEA is that I’ll get my decision notification much sooner, which gives me more time to choose where else I’d go/when I’d apply if Princeton rejects me (for example, there’s a college in my city, and if I hear back with a rejection from Princeton mid-December, I could start university here for January, but if I don’t hear back from Princeton till the end of March I can’t start here till May or so).

4

I should add that if I’m to take the SAT on October 7th, I have to apply by September 8, so I need to decide very quickly here whether I’ll go for it or not.

5

There is not a “substantial” increase in admissions chances. The early applicant pool and the RD pool are not directly comparable.

If you are a clear admit or a clear deny for regular decision, you will be the same for early. If you are borderline for regular decision, you may get a slight bump in your favor for early decision. But, you must already be pretty close to admit to get that little nudge in your favor.

Recruited athletes apply early, and with that endorsement from the coach, they are among the biggest beneficiaries of early decision rounds. Nonhooked applicants with low test scores do not get a “substantial” bump at all.