Should I bother with SAT Subject Tests?

Applying to College
1

<p>I'm planning on submitting my ACT score (34) when I apply to colleges next year. I'm not applying to any Ivies, but I am looking at some other selective, top 20 schools. My top choices as of now are Rice, WUSTL, and Carleton, none of which require subject tests as long as the ACT with writing is sent. However, Carleton in particular recommends that the subject tests be sent. </p>

<p>I would be willing to take the subject tests regardless, but the only date I could take them would be in June. The whole week before the June test date, I will be travelling and I'll get back late the Friday night before the test. Is it worth taking the subject tests and potentially doing poorly or wasting my money because the schools I'm looking at don't require them?</p>

2

<p>For highly competitive schools, I would suggest to treat any “recommended” material as required. It is not absolutely necessary, but it may help your chance. Stanford also just recommends subject tests, however, over 95% of admitted student did submit them.</p>

3

<p>Take the subject tests. If you do poorly you can just not send them. </p>

4

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<p>Have you considered changing your travel plans and taking the test at a center near where you’ll be on Friday, sleeping there Friday night, taking the tests Saturday morning, and then traveling back after the test?</p>

<p>I think missing out on subject tests could close doors that you haven’t considered yet. </p>

5

<p>There are around a dozen schools do require SAT2 even with ACT scores.</p>