I am applying to Stanford for MechE and I am not quite sure what the mean by “recommended” for the subject tests. I have heard that “recommended” means “required”. The problem is if I take the subject tests I would miss out on the opportunity to try for a higher score on the SAT I (highest so far is 1530/1600). Also, I have already taken 9 AP exams and gotten 5s in all. Would the subject tests really change anything?
You’re fine with 1530, take the subject tests.
If they say they recommend subject tests, then almost everybody who applies will have taken them. If you do not take them, then you will stand out as one of the few who did not take them, thus that will easily put you at a disadvantage.
Several years ago, there was an article saying ~95% of admitted students at Stanford did submit SAT2. Guess who would be the remaining 5% or so. They call it “recommended” to leave the door open for someone they really want to recruit. Basically, almost everybody submit SAT2 scores. You may want to check out how they describe their preference in Math2 over Math1. They don’t need to say anything if it is truly optional.
So I have decided to take the subject tests. The only dilemma I have is whether to apply REA or RD. If I apply REA, I would apply with a 1530/1600 on the SAT with the SAT 2 from October. On the other hand, if I apply RD, I could retake the the SAT 1 in October and potentially get a higher score and then take the SAT 2 in November. However, I have heard that REA has a higher admit rate, so I am not sure what to do.
Apply Early. Know that if you do that though at Stanford, you cannot apply early to any other schools (I believe this applies only to private institutions). Also, have a safety and don’t be disappointed if you don’t get in. Students with your stats, even if you do get your SAT up to 2400, are a dime a dozen. There are simply FAR too many qualified students for the slots they have. If there’s a legacy applying from your school, you can give up now. On the other hand, if you’re a legacy, you’ll likely get in. Legacy status boosts a candidates chanced 30 percentage points. (Not 30%…30 points…at Stanford that’s roughly 5% to 35%).
Do you have match and safety schools?
Yes. I’ve got plenty of backup public colleges. Why would early be better for my situation?
I had similar scores in high school and didn’t got into Stanford. It hasn’t seemed to slow me down at all.
The acceptance rate is higher in REA than RD.
So I was unable to change my registration from SAT I to SAT II because of an error from CollegeBoard that occurred due to a discrepancy regarding my school’s status as an SAT II test center. I signed up for the waitlist but did not receive a spot.
At this point, I can either apply REA without any subject test scores (would my AP scores make up for my lack of SAT IIs?) or RD with them. Which would increase my chances more?