Should I take SAT IIs again with an already good ACT score?

Test Preparation
1

Hey everyone,

I took the ACT this summer and my composite score is a 33. None of my schools require subject tests, but I have heard arguments from both sides (take SAT IIs with ACT, or there is no need) so I took them in November anyway. I got a 640 on Bio and 680 on Lit, which are not really desirable scores and I will probably not send them. I have already registered for the SATs in December (Bio and Math 2), but my question is do I need to take them? How much do schools look at subject tests if I’m already submitting an ACT + Writing score of 33? How much will taking subject tests or not taking them boost or hurt my chances?
I just don’t want to add on unnecessary stress if it can be avoided, but if it really will help me by taking them in December then I want to take the opportunity to improve my application.

Some of the schools I’m applying to include UNC Chapel Hill, Tufts, UC Berkeley, UCLA, UChicago, Tulane, Northeastern, Boston U, U of Rochester. My GPA is my weak point (3.67 UW) but I am a full IB student, have a lot of great ECs (service and sports mainly), and I think my essays and teacher recs should be very good.

Let me know if you think its necessary for me to take the Subject tests or not!

2

If I were you, I wouldn’t worry about taking them. A 33 is a competitive score at all the schools you’re applying to and if none of them require subject tests, it’s not a good use of your time to study/take the tests again. Focus on your apps and try to enjoy senior year!

3

I’ve had friends who completed the full IB Diploma with a 3.9+ UW and a 2300+ SAT and got rejected from schools like UChicago and Tufts.

You said your essays would be good, so I’m assuming you’ve finished them. Many people (myself included) are using this time to write essays, so if you’re already finished them then you should use your time to improve your scores. You’ve already registered to take them anyways, so why waste your money? :stuck_out_tongue:

I’d also retake the ACT if I were you, but retaking those subject tests should probably be higher on the list.