I’m planning on submitting just my ACT score, which is a 35. I took it with writing and I know they don’t require SAT subject tests but should I take them? I don’t particularly want to because I’m going to be really busy senior year with student council and debate but Pomona is my top choice and I’m applying ED. Is it worth taking two SAT subject tests? (I would take US history and math 2 if I did take them)
Also, my GPA will probably be like a 3.85 by the end of first semester (it’s currently at 3.83) so I’m not sure if I should try making up for my low GPA by submitting good subject scores?
Couldn’t hurt. Pomona doesn’t require them?
@codemachine Nope, they say on their website that "SAT subject tests are no longer required, but may be sent as part of a complete testing profile. "
I would have to take them in October, which is the beginning of everything busy and I’m not sure if I’ll be able to get like the best scores considering I’ll be pretty busy in my senior year:(
Maybe take them when you’re not busy and apply ED II to Pomona so you’ll have more time.
My inclination would be not to take them if you don’t need them for any of your other colleges. You already have a 35 ACT, so I don’t see the subject tests making much of a difference unless you feel confident you can get a couple of 800’s. I would also think subject tests in October might be harder if it’s been a few months since you covered the material. It sounds like your time and effort in October would be better spent finalizing your applications and essays and working on your EC’s (and of course going for straight A’s in your Fall semester classes so that you’ll look good when they ask for midterm grades).
I talked to an admissions counselor about this subject, and I agree with Corinthian. She said, “send them if you want, but they aren’t necessary.” I got the impression that they really weren’t necessary, almost as if they wouldn’t even consider them if we sent them, and my daughter has already taken the tests.
The most curious piece for me in Pomona Admissions’ testing policy is that they ‘recommend’ that all SAT/ACT/Subject tests be submitted to them, but they do not require that they be submitted.
This was not really an issue for my child, but I just didn’t get it. Either require that all tests are submitted or don’t require that all tests be submitted. What is an applicant supposed to do with this ‘recomendation’ if he/she feesl that submitting all testing would put them in a poor light?
@AsleepAtTheWheel I wonder if that’s a change from last year. I was pretty sure last year that it said that reporting all test scores was required. Interesting change.
@AsleepAtTheWheel That’s why I decided to only submit my ACT instead of any SAT scores. I’ve taken the SAT twice but I didn’t do as well as I needed to so I’m completely not submitting them.
@ravenclaws – Be careful here on CC being public about not following their ‘strong recommendation’. Don’t think that they might not penalize an applicant for not reporting all scores even if it’s not a requirement.
I thought they if they really wanted to be nasty they could ask applicants point blank at their interview if they submitted ALL test scores. If the applicant even hesitates, that means the answer would be a ‘no’.
SAT II Subject tests can be useful if you feel your application is lacking in subject diversity. Pomona likes well rounded students as opposed to hyper-focused, so taking a physics or chemistry test even though you’re applying for, say, economics can actually really help, even if you don’t score perfectly.