Should I take a third subject test?

I’ve already taken Math II and got a good score, and I’m about to take Chemistry on Saturday. I will most likely get a good score on this also. However, I’m trying to decide whether to take Literature or not. It really isn’t my forte, and the only reason I would take it is because Northwestern requires 3 subject test for homeschoolers. I haven’t prepped much at all, but I can probably get at least 600 (preferably high 600s). If I bomb it, how bad would it be? I think the only school I’m applying to that requires all SAT2’s is Cornell. To take, or not to take?

Have you taken and scored a literature practice test? If your practice test score was in the 600 range, I would wait for a later date to try to boost it or try a history test. Yes, you should have a 3rd Subject Test score for Northwestern, but a 600 will do you no favors.

I don’t know whether you’ve decided or not, but I would advise against it if English isn’t your forte. Even for students whose forte IS English, it’s a difficult test. There’s a reason it’s consistently the lowest-scored of all the subject tests-- it’s tricky, confusing, and determined to root the students who really know what they’re doing out from the rest. If you do decide to take it, study first until you know for a fact you’re prepared.

Agree, Lit is not a good choice if you are not a very strong English student. My kids rocked it, but both were VERY avid lifelong readers.

Just took Lit last weekend. I wouldn’t recommend it unless you can devote a good chunk of your time studying for it. It’s difficult, much more so than the English section on the SAT I or the ACT.