I am under prepared for the last possible round of subject tests before EA. It is also my very first time taking the subject tests as well. Princeton now only recommends that you take the subject tests if some of you weren’t aware. I have a great act score:34 My gpa is a 4.14 and I have a vehement amount of EC’s on my application. However I am worried that I will receive bad subject test scores and harm my application. Any tips on whether I should include them in my report or not. Can they harm your chances or do they only help?
My belief is the reason many schools have switched to “recommended” is that some applicants from lower SES backgrounds can’t afford more tests and/or the applicants attend a HS where no students apply to colleges where Subject Tests are requested, and therefore, may not have received the best advice from a GC.
If that does not apply to you, I am of the opinion that colleges at Princeton’s tier are expecting Subject Tests from all other applicants. Although everyone will have a story about someone who was admitted without Subject Tests, my view is there was probably more to the story (e.g. seriously hooked or lower SES) Having said that, I would opt to send no Subject Tests than sending bad scores. It all depends upon how you define bad. Personally, I don’t think scores below 700 will enhance your application, and will probably, IMO, detract from it.
@Zion1911 - A word to the wise: you might want to check the meaning and usage of the word vehement.
Thank you lol. I for some reason was under the impression it meant “a large amount of something.” Besides that do you have any information on my original question?
I agree with skieurope - if you don’t come from a lower SES household you probably should have Subject test scores. It would seem Math and Literature might be your best bets if you don’t have a lot of time to prepare for any.
I too agree with @skieurope’s summary. If you’re upper middle class they’ll be expected and if they don’t start with the numbers 7 or 8, they’ll hurt you,