I have taken math 2 and US history (800 on each) and am wondering if I should bother with a third. None of my schools require three subject tests, but it seems like a lot of applicants will have at least three strong subject test scores (according to results threads on cc), and I wonder if it would benefit my app to take another. I was considering Literature, since I like English and did well (800) on SAT CR section, which I’ve heard has some similarities to Lit subject test. I don’t think it would be a large time commitment to prepare for it, and I’ve started off decently well (700-ish) on the couple practice tests I’ve taken; I think I could get to 750+ by december. Tbh, I’d rather be done with standardized testing so I can focus on grades and college essays this semester. Is it worth pursuing a third subject test?
Thanks for any advice.
If you are positive you are not applying to Georgetown, the only school I can think off that wants to see three subject tests, then you should not take a third test. Your time is definetly better spent on other things. Congratulations on two great scores!
^ Agree with @Testingearly If not applying to GU, nobody can criticize you for not taking a test that is not required.
Agree with above with one additonal caveat: some colleges want certain subject tests depending on your chosen major. For example if you are applying for engineering or science, a number want to see a math and a science. So for any particular college and major you are interested in, make sure you check the college’s admissions website to see if there is a subject test required or recommended that you do not already have. Otherwise two 800s are fine including because most of those colleges that want to see two use the highest two and thus submitting a third adds nothing.
Since I’m applying as a non-stem major, the consensus seems like it’s not necessary to take another subject test. Any last opinions? Just to clarify, I’m aiming for some tippy-top schools (Stanford, Penn, Duke etc.).
@skieurope @Lindagaf I respect both of your opinions, and would appreciate some input on this.
I can tell you with a certainty that your Stanford and Duke apps will not be affected by your not having more, or other, than those which you have already. Stanford makes all of this very plain on their website, one of the reasons I love them.
I agree with every one of the posts above. You already have two top scores in two different subjects, and that is a great achievement. I think you have already had good advice:-)
Your time would now be better spent now polishing essays and keeping your grades high. Do really thorough research and nail down what your chosen colleges are looking for. Be specific in your “why this college?” essays. Remember that one of the goals of supplemental essays is to make them want you. You can do that by showing them what makes you a great fit for their school, not just why you want to go there.
Also spend time looking at the application on their websites. There are quite a few instances when the college lists extra essays or LORs that are optional, but not necessarily listed in the Common App. For example, Dartmouth apparently lets you submit a peer recommendation, but this is not stated on the Common App. My daughter found supplental optional essays and optional parent or relative recs that were not indicated in the common app. She also was able to submit part of the app to some colleges, such as basic info, before the rest of the common app was submitted. This is useful for a college that considers interest. Good luck.
I think it might be more accurate to say that Dartmouth wants a peer recommendation. It’s a soft requirement. Not fatal not to submit one, I believe, but strongly encouraged – even if the applicant finds out about this item late.
I’m in agreement with @Lindagaf Your scores are great. Spend the time polishing your essays. Good luck.
Of course @AboutTheSame . Optional things are never optional at tippy tops, IMO:-)
If you’re applying as a science or engineering major it will be helpful to have a science subject test. Otherwise, you should be set with your math and history ones!
unless your school requires 3, i really wouldn’t bother