It seems as though many posters on this board have taken more than the required three SAT II’s. Does that provide a tangible admissions benefit, and if so, how much of one?
<p>Well, it just gives you more chances to get better scores, that is the only benefit. If you take 5, it means you have more chances to earn three higher grades.</p>
<p>yes, the benefit is that you MAY have better scores if you take more, and the schools CLAIM they only take your 2 or 3 HIGHEST scores into consideration (the # is school-specific). While the chatter on CC largely corroborates this method of how selective schools count the SAT 2's, there is some debate on whether an applicant is at risk with the MOST selective schools if their SAT 2's outside their 2 or 3 highest are less than stellar.....I don't know if this is damaging or not.</p>
<p>like everything in this game it depends....if your two high scores are Math 1 adn Math 2, and everything else is 550, then, yes, those low socres are signficant. But, if you have a high math/science and a high english/social science, you'll be reviewed favorably.</p>
<p>btw: rumor has it that Stanford likes to see more than two subject tests</p>
<p>So say that you had an applicant with 800, 800, 780 in a math and two sciences. Does it make sense to take another science SAT II? What about social studies/humanities one?</p>
<p>I don't see how it would hurt unless you think you'll get less than a 600-650ish. Those are stellar scores and adcoms know that people have their strengths and weaknesses. I doubt one imperfect score would hurt you with the required 3 scores being really high. If you're not comfortable in the social sciences, then don't worry about it.</p>
<p>It takes time and money to take more SAT's Give it your best shot the first time round. Take what the universities ask you to: "subjects closely realting to your major". Choose subjects carefully. Math IC is a better option for those not opting for engineering courses but wanting to show some level of aptitude in math, Math IIC is better if, and only if, you are a mathematical genious. - its mandatory for eng though</p>