<p>My ACT with writing score is 34. None of the schools that I'm applying to require subject tests; however, I do plan on applying to a few highly competitive universities (Harvard and Brown). Right now, I've taken a few subject tests, and the only good score is a 740 on Lit, followed by a 670 on Chem. I'm still not sure if I should take the Chem and Math 2 subject tests in October (because I plan on applying early to Brown.) For one thing, I plan to apply for Brown PLME, so I thought they might want to see science and math related subject tests. So my first question is should I take those in October, or are they pointless because they aren't required? My second question is if I shouldn't retake them, should I still send in the 740 in Lit or would it be weird to only send in one subject test? I plan on double majoring (joint concentrating, double concentrating, whatever they call it) in philosophy and neuroscience, if that affects anything.</p>
<p>Without knowing the rest of your stats it’s hard to tell, but I say if you can afford to take another SAT subject then you probably should. They are considered at most colleges, especially at places with competetive admission like Brown. Your ACT score is excellent; good job! But that alone won’t be enough for Harvard and Brown. </p>
<p>Harvard requirements:
Brown requirements;
So you’re fine with Brown but not with H.</p>
<p>I’m pretty sure Harvard changed its requirements for this incoming year of admissions. I remember reading an article in The Crimson about eliminating the SAT II requirement to “attract more lower income candidates” or something like that. </p>
<p>Harvard’s website says, “While we normally require two SAT Subject Tests, you may apply without them if the cost of the tests represents a financial hardship or if you prefer to have your application considered without them.” So I don’t see how it’s a requirement if one can opt not to send them in simply because they “prefer to have your application considered without them.” But should I send them in anyways? My question really wasn’t about the requirements for each school, but more about what would improve my application. </p>
<p>If it’s obvious from your zip code that you Could afford the SAT IIs then it’s telling H you didn’t do well or didn’t care to take them. That tells them something (bad).</p>
<p>With respect to Harvard, given that you are aware that both CC and the SAT Subject Tests exist, you need to take SAT Subject Tests and submit the scores for Harvard. Harvard made only a “slight” change in its SAT Subject Test policy. The change is intended to make sure that low income candidates and/or candidates from large public high schools with effectively no college counseling (e.g., many schools in California have a 1200:1 student-counselor ratio) are not precluded from applying or being considered simply because they did not know SAT Subject Tests existed or were required, or because they genuinely could not afford to take the tests. You are clearly not in this category, so please do not be misled into thinking you don’t need to submit subject test scores.</p>
<p>And good luck!</p>
<p>My friend who goes to Harvard told me that the policy change was basically just an attempt to encourage more people to apply so that Harvard could decrease it’s acceptance rate.</p>
<p>I guess the more important question is should I send the SAT II scores in to Brown even though they aren’t required? Should I send them in even if it’s just Lit because I haven’t gotten satisfactory scores on the others (since I’m applying early to Brown and RD to Harvard. I plan on taking the SAT IIs in October, but just in cause those aren’t high enough.)</p>
<p>Regardless of the stated, and possibly unstated, reasons for Harvard’s policy change, if you want to increase the chances you will be accepted (and not simply to help Harvard lower its acceptance rate), you should submit SAT Subject Test scores. </p>
<p>As for Brown, I have no special knowledge, but in my opinion only, you may take them at their word. If you are submitting an ACT with writing score, there is no need to submit SAT Subject scores if they do not help your application.</p>