I’m an international student applying to US colleges this fall. I know that certain schools like Harvard and Stanford accept self-reported SAT/ACT and SAT Subject Test scores e.g. Harvard states explicitly that “…applicants may provide self-reported SAT and ACT test scores (including Subject Tests, Advanced Placement, etc.)” Other schools like Cornell, Princeton and Tulane state explicitly that they only accept official scores sent directly to them from the testing agency. My problem is with the schools that state that they accept self-reported ACT and SAT scores but not whether that policy extends to SAT Subject Test scores (or AP scores), prime examples being Yale and UChicago. I have 5 SAT Subject Test scores in the 780-800 range, and I feel that they strengthen my application (to what degree is debatable) even though I have a 36 on the ACT and a 4.0 unweighted GPA. However, I don’t want to waste money sending official SAT Subject Test scores to these schools if the scores will be considered by just listing them in the Testing section of the Common App. Should I send official scores or just self-report?
I’d be really grateful if someone replied. I know it might sound like a stupid question, but I’ve looked all over the Internet for an answer and can’t find one. An answer would really help me out.
It’s the middle of the night in the US right now, so that’s probably why nobody has answered (I don’t know the answer to your question).
It’s likely schools that accept self-reported SAT/ACT scores will allow the same for SAT subject tests. You could email your admissions rep to confirm if that would put your mind at ease. I agree those scores strengthen your app, good luck.
Call or email the schools to find out for sure.
Every college accepts self-reporting on AP scores.
Every college that accepts self-reporting of SAT/ACT scores will accept self-reporting of Subject Tests.
Unless you are applying to Georgetown, which requests 3 Subject Tests, 2 Subject Tests in the 780-800 range is enough. 5 vs. 2 will not make a stronger application. In fact, I’d argue that it can weaken it. Nothing says “one-dimensional applicant” like a kid that has nothing better to do on a Saturday than take Subject Tests.
Thank you guys, this was really helpful
I have an 800 in Math Level 2 and Physics and a 790 in Chemistry. I registered for SAT Subject Tests in Biology and Literature in November because I knew these scores make me look like the stereotypical Asian applicant, and I knew I could score 760+ in both Lit and Bio to maybe give an extra dimension to my application, since I take both these subjects at A Levels. However, everyone I’ve talked to has told me that it’ll be a waste of time to give extra SAT Subject Tests, so I probably won’t give them.
An extra STEM Subject Test does not add extra dimension. As far as the lit test, if colleges wanted to have applicants show a range, they would require a STEM and a humanities test. They don’t so…
Your time is much better spent on ECs or working on your essays. Good luck.