Hi all. My son has already taken a few subject tests, but he has not ruled out applying to engineering programs and I’m just trying to get a handle on whether any of his target schools require or recommend a Math SATII Subject test before we miss the October registration deadline. From what I can tell Vanderbilt doesn’t currently require or recommend, but will consider the test scores if submitted. Can anyone tell me what the norm is? Will he be disadvantaged not having a math subject test score? His math portion of the SAT was 800 and he scored a 5 on the AP Calculus AB exam. He’s taking BC this year as a senior.
Not sure if I know what the norm is, if you already googled the Vandy website. I think it depends on the other schools you have on your list and if you are looking for merit aids. Really for top engineering schools, the determining factor is not Math II, but AMC test. Math II which usually is taken before cal, is not that important. Given your son is probably busy with his essays and apps at this time, I don’t think that is the best use of his time.
If Vandy doesn’t require Subject exams, definitely skip it. A senior should be working on their emotional health and forward-looking energies, and on trying on lots of “hats” regarding visiting colleges and reading up on their list colleges, communicating effectively with their college reference letter writers, and shrewdly working for admission to their safety school and reach school with quality essays. PS, all students with near perfect test scores STILL need a good financial match college and safety match. There is a reason that scores of graduates of Thomas Jefferson Governor’s School in Fairfax County VA choose to attend their state flagship colleges like UVA —and it isn’t that they could not get admitted to elite private institutions. This is a time to work on Value for the Dollar discussions and to hit up the merit applications with attention.
Thanks so much for the advice. I will chill out on the math subject test. Seems like it will probably only be a big issue if he decides to apply to Cornell, but I don’t think that’s currently in the plan.