I got a 690 on US History and a 680 on Biology for SAT Subject Tests. I’m applying for Harvard, a school that typically requires the SAT II. On their website they DO say that if you would like to have your application considered without the subject tests, then you can choose to not send in your subject scores. But to my understanding, doesn’t Harvard receive all SAT scores anyway?
Is it better to send my scores or not at all? Will it significantly hurt my chances?
What are the rest of your stats?
Harvard is obviously a high reach for most top students, and out of reach for most above-average students.
Are you ELL? From a lower performing school where almost no one ever takes subject tests? Recruited?
(What’s your curriculum: AP, IB, dual enrollment, AICE…? GPA? Extraordinary/national level EC achievements? Why are you applying to Harvard?)
My standardized test scores are the weakest part of my app. I got a 1480 cumulative SAT score, 710 English and 770 Math with a 22/24 essay. I’m taking it again next week. Although the early action deadline will have passed by then, if the score is good I will probably send it anyway as a supplement (despite the possibility that it will not get considered). I do have good extracurriculars and other academic factors, but the standardized tests really put a dent into my application. So, considering my SAT score, would sending in subjects that are also not as good hurt or help? I know that one of my friends is also applying with very high SAT I and II scores, but I am stronger in everything else besides that.
And also just in general, would it be better to send them or not?
I would say my school is a low performing school. The admission rate of my high school to the Ivies is very, very low. Like maybe one student every other year or every few years. Most students at my school don’t consider SAT IIs as very important, and rarely take them. However, the top 15% of students from my class are taking the SAT II. My school’s curriculum has APs, but only allows Juniors and Seniors to take them. I had three APs last year, and am taking five this year.